The Waikato Rapids head into the OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League 2025 final with an unbeaten record, defeating Suva Futsal Club 6-3.
New Zealand had already locked in their place in the final, but the match gave them a chance to protect their unbeaten run and maintain their momentum. The Rapids opened strong with two tidy goals.
The first came through a free kick, with a low pass setting up Aran Carter for a simple finish, and the second through George Dixon, netting from another well worked pass. The Kiwis added their third after a thunderous strike from Captain Aiden Robson was blocked by the keeper, and Dixon there to header the rebound to notch his second.
Suva kept moving the ball through their back two, with Nikil Chand and Rajneel Singh pressing high to win possession and push forward. Their goal came when Merrill Nand hit a long-range shot that put them on the board.
Waikato Rapids remained the more clinical of the two, attacking through well placed passes and set plays to stay in control. Benjamin Bordin worked tirelelssly up front to win the ball and create chance, while Casey Sharplin’s distribution remained key for Waikato’s momentum.
Suva began the second half with more energy, firing a clean shot in the opening minute and continued pressure the Waikato defence. Their resilience on defence paid off, rewarded through a quick counter move as Nand picked up his second goal.
Waikato scored again through Hemi Innes, who set up Kenneth Howard for a clean finish. Suva responded with their sustained pressure, scoring another goal to stay in the fight.
The Waikato Rapids head to the final, where they face 2024 finalists Mataks FC of the Solomon Islands. While Fiji will take on Gulf Komara FC in the play-off for 5th and 6th.
HT: 4-1
Waikato Rapids: 6 (Aran CARTER 4′, George DIXON 5′, 12′, Aidab ROBSON 14′, Hemi INNES 30′, Casey SHARPLIN 35′)
Suva Futsal Club: 3 (Merrill NAND 18′, 27′, OG)
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek.