The Tiki Toa will miss out on making a second consecutive Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup final after going down 8-6 to Iran in the semi-final overnight.
Brazil had already booked their place in the final after beating defending champions Russia 7-0.
The opening two periods saw Tahiti swiftly respond to all three Iran goals, before eventually taking the lead through Raimana Li Fung Kuee early in the third.
Tahiti led twice more but, after they were pegged back, two late goals from hat-trick hero Akbar provided the killer blows late on as Iran went one better than their semi-final appearance last year.
“It’ was a very intense match,” said coach Angelo Schirinzi.
“I think that we played well. The Tiki Toa played with a lot of heart. I think that preparations were lacking.
“We were tired at the end. We made some small errors, we lost but I’m not angry. I’m very happy because I think the Tiki Toa played well.”
The Tiki Toa will now play-off for third place against Russia, in a repeat of last year’s final.
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