Solomon Islands Bilikiki came close to causing an upset over reigning beach Champions, Tahiti 9-10 in a breathtaking fashion for the first time on home soil at the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup 2024 in Honiara.
The Tiki Toa came from behind to win it in the remaining 45’ seconds to full-time silencing an electrifying home crowd.
Started with a bang, Bilikiki capitalized early on a defensive blunder for Thomas Amasia slotted in the opening minute. The joy was short-lived as the two-time World Cup finalist responded immediately to level things up.
The downpour did not matter from the host’s backup – lifting the third generation of Bilikiki players to a spirited performance that has been seen for the first time in many years.
Solomon Islands, Amasia was on a stellar display completing a hat-trick in the first period heading for the interval a goal behind 3-4.
The intensity did not wane. Robert Laua stepped up to equalize 4’ minutes into the second period. Bilikiki debutant Erick Wanega was on target to level the score before captain Charlie Otainao scored his first goal on the sand.
All down to the final period, the Biliki scored twice for a two-goal cushion, however, the Tiki Toa again responded before Albert Bobby fired home the lead again.
Tahiti then settled for the win in the dying minutes to win the opening round of matches.
For Bilikiki coach, James Naka things worked out accordingly to what he has expecting from his boys.
“We prepared well for this match, and the players all have delivered. It was just our own mistakes they capitalized on, but that’s the level of competing against such World Cup experience side,” Naka said in a post-match.
“The team will continue to stay focused for our next matches as we treat them all as a final.
Biliki will take on Papua New Guinea (PNG) tomorrow who won their debut match against Fiji 8-6.
