OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup 2024
For the first time the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup was held in Honiara in the Solomon Islands. The host nation was joined by defending champions Tahiti, Fiji and tournament debutants Papua New Guinea.
The Solomon Islands Football Federation had built a new Beach Soccer pitch at the SIFF Academy and the stands were packed each match day. The opening day’s rain did nothing to dampen the occasion as PNG in their first ever international Beach Soccer match, stunned Fiji 8-6 before in what has been described as the greatest Beach Soccer match ever played in Oceania, Tahiti came back from two goals down early in the final period to beat Solomon Islands 10-9.
(Photo Credit OFC Media via Ivan Photography)
While Papua New Guinea suffered heavy defeats by both Tahiti and the Solomon Islands in their remaining Group games, they scored 17 goals at the tournament and showed they will be a Beach Soccer force in the future.
Fiji after a 10-1 defeat by Tahiti, rebounded in their final Group game to beat the Solomon Islands in a penalty shootout, but it wasn’t enough to dislodge the hosts from an appearance in the final against Tahiti. Fiji claimed 3rd with a 5-0 win over PNG before Tahiti scaped past Solomon Islands 3-2 in a pulsating finale in front of a capacity crowd.
(Photo Credit OFC Media via Ivan Photography)
The Tiki Toa captained by the inspirational Raimana Li Fung Kuee won the Golden Ball for Player of the Tournament, will represent Oceania at the 2025 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in the Seychelles.
Tahiti goalkeeper Teave Teamotuaitau won the Golden Glove with teammate Heirauarii Salem winning the Golden Boot. Fiji prevented a clean sweep of the honours by claiming the fair Play award.