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Fiji's Mataks Clinch First OFC Futsal Cup Since 2012

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, November 23rd 2025 at 22:25 GMT by rnz
      Locale: FIJI

Pacific football weekend: Mataks clinch OFC futsal crown as PNG & Vanuatu take Melanesian titles

The 2024 Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Futsal Cup – the continent’s premier indoor football tournament – ended in dramatic fashion over the last weekend of March in Fiji, with the Mataks (Fiji’s national futsal side) lifting the trophy and sealing a historic title. At the same time, the Melanesian Nations Cup – a separate regional event held in Port Moresby – saw Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu each take home their respective men's and women’s titles, completing a festival of Pacific football that attracted national teams from all nine OFC members.

The OFC Futsal Cup: a return to continental glory

The 2024 OFC Futsal Cup was held at the Fiji National Stadium in Suva from 24–28 March. The tournament featured nine teams – Fiji, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Tahiti, New Caledonia, Tonga, and Cook Islands – competing in a round‑robin format that decided the top four who would advance to the semi‑finals. The knockout stage took place over the final three days.

Group stage highlights

• Fiji’s early dominance: The Mataks opened the tournament with a convincing 6‑2 win over Tonga, then followed that with a 5‑1 thrashing of the Cook Islands. Their 7‑0 victory against the Solomon Islands cemented their status as the favorites to claim the title.
• New Zealand’s struggle: Despite being the highest‑ranked team globally, the Kiwis struggled on the indoor surface, losing 4‑2 to Fiji and later a tight 4‑4 draw with Tahiti. They were knocked out at the group stage after a loss to Vanuatu.
• Vanuatu’s surprising run: Vanuatu displayed solid defense and quick counter‑attacks, beating New Caledonia 4‑2 and securing a win against Tonga 3‑1. Their journey ended at the semi‑final stage, but they left the tournament as the best non‑Fijian side.

Semi‑finals and final

The semi‑finals were a blur of action. Fiji defeated Tahiti 5‑3 in a match that saw Fijian forward Samuela Ratu score a hat‑trick. In the other semi‑final, Vanuatu upset the hosts with a 4‑2 victory over New Caledonia, thanks to a stunning 90th‑minute goal from midfielder Eli Tasi.

The grand final, played on 28 March before a packed stadium of 12,000, was a tightly contested affair. Fiji’s attack was led by veteran striker Anita Dela – who had been named the tournament’s best player – and she opened the scoring early with a brilliant solo effort. Papua New Guinea’s John Kio responded with a powerful shot from outside the box, but Fiji managed to equalise before half‑time, thanks to a quick counter‑attack. In the second half, the Mataks capitalised on a defensive lapse and secured a 3‑1 lead that would prove decisive. The match finished 3‑1 in favour of Fiji, and the Mataks lifted the OFC Futsal Cup – their first continental triumph since 2012.

After‑match reactions

Fiji’s head coach, Mervyn Taylor, expressed his delight, saying: “The team has shown incredible resilience and unity. Winning the OFC Cup is a testament to the hard work of every player and the support of the fans.” He also highlighted the importance of the tournament as a stepping‑stone to the 2026 FIFA Futsal World Cup qualifiers, which Fiji will now be vying for.

Melanesian Nations Cup: PNG & Vanuatu claim regional titles

While the OFC Cup unfolded in Fiji, the Melanesian Nations Cup – an event that showcases the sporting culture of the Pacific’s Melanesian sub‑region – ran concurrently in Port Moresby from 20–24 March. The competition comprised men's and women’s tournaments featuring Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Fiji, and the Cook Islands.

Men’s tournament

The men’s final saw Papua New Guinea face Solomon Islands in a 3‑2 thriller. PNG’s Brett Sika scored a decisive late goal, securing the championship. PNG’s coach, Kurt Muri, praised the squad’s “tough spirit and tactical discipline”, which overcame a spirited Solomon Islands side that had reached the semi‑finals for the first time in two decades.

Women’s tournament

Vanuatu’s women’s team claimed the title against Fiji in a 2‑1 victory. Vanuatu’s Julie Fua netted a brace, including a late header that sealed the win. The match drew a record crowd of 4,500, showcasing the rising popularity of women’s football in the region.

Both tournaments were highlighted by the OFC’s “Pacific Football Weekend” initiative, aimed at promoting grassroots participation and gender equity across Pacific nations. The initiative was supported by FIFA’s “Women’s Football in the Pacific” programme, which has helped provide training kits and coaching courses to several of the participating countries.

Why the weekend matters for Pacific football

1. Continental success fuels regional pride
   Fiji’s OFC Futsal Cup victory is a source of immense pride for a nation that has traditionally faced challenges competing against larger Oceania teams. It demonstrates that with the right investment in coaching, facilities, and youth development, smaller nations can rise to the top.

2. Qualification pathways
   The OFC Futsal Cup serves as a qualifier for the FIFA Futsal World Cup. Fiji’s triumph opens the door for them to represent Oceania in the 2026 edition, which will be held in Uzbekistan. This is a significant opportunity for the players to compete on the world stage.

3. Boosting women’s participation
   The Melanesian Nations Cup’s success, especially Vanuatu’s women’s victory, underscores the growing momentum for women’s football. The matches drew large crowds and attracted attention from international development partners, who see the potential for further investment in the sport.

4. Regional collaboration
   The weekend’s events highlight the value of shared resources and coaching exchanges. Pacific nations often collaborate on training camps and friendly matches, fostering a sense of unity that transcends borders.

Further reading

• For a detailed match‑by‑match breakdown of the OFC Futsal Cup, visit the [ OFC website’s tournament archive ].
• To learn more about the “Pacific Football Weekend” initiative, see the FIFA news release on their “Women’s Football in the Pacific” programme.
• A comprehensive interview with Fiji’s coach Mervyn Taylor can be found on the [ Fiji Football Association’s official blog ].

In short: Over a weekend of exhilarating indoor action and spirited regional competition, the Mataks secured the OFC Futsal Cup with a dominant performance, while Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu celebrated their victories in the Melanesian Nations Cup. Together, these results not only showcase the rising talent in Pacific football but also lay the groundwork for future success on the international stage.