Prime Minister Kilman sent a congratulatory message to the players last week just as they arrived back from their triumphant trip to Brisbane.
“I’d like to congratulate the team manager, coaches and players on your victory in the Gold Coast as the new and first Asia-Pacific Beach Soccer Championship champions,” he stated.
“I am very proud and I am sure your victory has made everyone in Vanuatu happy. This is a great example for other sports in Vanuatu.”
The Wilson August-coached side earned their title with a thrilling win against the Solomon Islands’ Bilikiki in an all-Oceania final that enthralled a vocal crowd of over 500 at Coolangatta Beach.
In an enthralling match that see-sawed from end to end, the score was locked at 3-3 after the third period and extra time was therefore needed to separate the sides.
Vanuatu star Jean-Robert Yelou, who was also assistant coach to Wilson throughout the tournament, appeared to have finally won the game when he struck his country’s fourth but the Bilikiki equalised through a James Naka penalty to force their fellow Melanesians into a penalty shoot-out.
The Vanuatu players held their nerve from the spot to score all four shots and were able to create history by lifting the trophy on the slimmest of margins when the Solomon Islands failed to convert their final effort.
The exciting action was witnessed first-hand by OFC President David Chung and General Secretary Tai Nicholas, who travelled to the Gold Coast to observe the tournament.
August was overcome with emotion at the conclusion of the contest and struggled to find the words to sum up the victory.
“I don’t know what to say,” he said. “It’s a great feeling and I want to thank my players for their patience, humbleness and discipline from day one to today.”

Share