By Ronald Toito’ona*
It was described by many as one of the greatest beach soccer matches in Oceania history, between the two Oceania rivals – Solomon Islands ‘Bilikiki’ and ‘Tiki Toa’ of Tahiti.
The Bilikiki narrowly lost 10-9 to Tiki Toa in a thrilling encounter at the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup in Honiara, this evening.
Despite a heroic effort from the Solomon Islands team, discipline, concentration, and fitness issues cost them dearly in a game they could have won.
Tahiti, the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup quarter finalists, semi-finalist, grand-finalist and a dominant force in the sport for more than a decade, were given a real challenge by the Solomon Islands.
The home side, driven by the passion of the local crowd, came close to ending Tahiti’s unbeaten run in Oceania, which dates back to 2011.
The Solomon Islands took the lead within the first minute, courtesy of Thomas Amasia, but Tahiti’s quick responses throughout the match exposed Bilikiki’s defensive frailties and poor decision-making.
The Solomon Islanders struggled to maintain possession, frequently giving the ball away to their more experienced opponents.
Discipline Issues
One of the key moments in the match was the red card shown to Robert Laua, a critical blow that tilted the momentum in Tahiti’s favor.
The team’s lack of discipline resulted in unnecessary fouls and free kicks, which Tahiti capitalized on.
Coach James Naka expressed his frustration after the match, noting, “Finishing and cutting out free kicks and fouls are areas we need to work on.”
Concentration and Decision-Making
The Bilikiki also suffered from lapses in concentration, particularly in the final period. After going ahead by two goals, the team relaxed, allowing Tahiti to close the gap and eventually snatch the win.
Naka acknowledged this in his post-match interview:
“The boys feel relaxed after leading by two goals. I think they got carried away with the lead. The concentration and discipline that I talked to the boys about is lacking in the final third.”
Captain Charlie Otainao echoed these sentiments, stating, “We matched them, but lack of concentration is what cost us the game. We lost focus in the third period, and it showed in the scoring.”
Fitness Concerns
Fitness remains a major concern for the Solomon Islands team. Several players struggled to keep up with the pace of the game, a factor that was evident in their performance.
Many Bilikiki players are known smokers, betel-nut chewers, and heavy drinkers, which impacts their stamina during high-intensity matches like this one.
This lack of fitness became more apparent in the final stages of the game as Tahiti’s experience and endurance allowed them to edge out the win.
Match Report Highlights
The match itself was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams displaying moments of brilliance.
Amasia’s hat trick and captain Otainao’s goal kept the Solomon Islands in the contest, but spectacular bicycle kicks from Tahiti’s Heirauarii Salem and Ro’onui Tinirauarii proved decisive.
Salem’s game-winning goal in the final minute, another bicycle kick, sealed the victory for the Tiki Toa.
Despite the loss, it was a highly entertaining match that thrilled the home crowd. Tahiti’s victory was hard-fought, and the Solomon Islands showed they could challenge the best in Oceania.
However, if the Bilikiki are to turn such close encounters into victories, they will need to improve their discipline, concentration, and fitness.
Coach Naka’s Take
Coach James Naka remained optimistic despite the defeat, praising the effort his players put in:
“I’m happy with the boys. What we’ve worked on during training has paid off. The scoreline is not like our last meeting with Tahiti; it’s just a one-goal difference, which is a good sign for the team.”
He added that the team needs to cut out fouls and stay focused for the full 36 minutes of the match.
Looking Ahead
While the loss was disappointing, there were positive signs for the Solomon Islands. With key areas to work on, the team has the potential to improve before their next game.
As Otainao said, “We’ll work on our mistakes and prepare well for the next games.”
If Bilikiki can address their weaknesses, they could be in for a strong showing in the tournament, with the possibility of a rematch against Tahiti in the final this Saturday. —//ENDS
*About the Author: Ronald Toito’ona has been a passionate follower of football for over 20 years. As a journalist, he has spent the last decade covering all three Soccer/Football codes — 11-aside Soccer, Indoor Futsal, and Beach Soccer—both in Solomon Islands and abroad. His extensive experience and deep knowledge of the sport provide valuable insights into the game and its development in the region.