Solomon Islands national futsal team, Kurukuru registered their first win of the Oceania Championship defeating bitter rivals Tahiti 3-0 at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, Fiji last night.
Kurukuru captain Elliot Ragomo fired home the opening goal past Tahiti custodian Teva Durot to take the lead three minutes from kick off.
Substitution Micah Lea’alafa and Jack Wetney came on two minutes later displaying some fancy moves which were quite disturbing for the Tahiti strong defensive lineup.
As a result Kurukuru found their way through for the second goal, this time it was Wetney who stole the ball, took a couple of touches forward and fired through Durot’s legs to extend the lead.
Tahiti fought hard for an equalizer with some very good chances but was brilliantly saved by Anthony Talo.
The tension was high at first in the opening minutes of the match but after the two goals scored Kurukuru displayed a more settled and steady game leaving the pressure to the Tahitians who were so determined to equalize.
The second half was no different from the start of the game with the two sides looking for early goals, Tahiti for an opener and Kurukuru to further extend the lead.
Kurukuru struck again a minute into the second half to make it three, a goal by George Stevenson a perfect pass from Micah Lea’alafa.
The remaining part of the second half was flooded with chances could have taken the number of goals to nine goals.
This is a positive start for the Kurukuru team who is on the quest to defend the title and qualify for the next World Cup.
They will play New Caledonia at 4:30pm today.
Meanwhile New Caledonia defeated hosts Fiji 5-1 and New Zealand beat Vanuatu 5-0 in the first two matches.
By CARLOS ARUAFU
