Vanuatu have won the Plate section of the OFC Futsal Cup 2022 with a 4-3 victory over Fiji, surviving a wild final 10 minutes which saw four goals scored.
After Vanuatu established a 3-1 lead heading into the final 10 minutes, Fiji shifted to a ‘flying keeper’ fifth man formation as they pushed to try and rescue the match, with the goals flowing from that point on.
Shahill Dave reduced the gap to 3-2, before Rhydley Napau’s second goal created a two-point buffer again for Vanuatu.
Fiji skipper Filipe Baravilala then netted to see Fiji trail just 4-3 with five minutes to play.
In the end Vanuatu held on to claim the title, capping off an impressive tournament which included securing a draw with New Zealand during group play.
Earlier goals from Athanas Alick and Surjason Sami had left scores tied at 1-1 at the break.
Vanuatu: 4 (Athanas ALICK, Bill TAMURI, Rhydley NAPAU x2)
Fiji: 3 (Surjason SAMI, Shahil DAVE, Filipe BARAVILALA)
HT: 1-1
