Solomon Islands’ Kooline FC overcame a strong challenge from Tahitian champions AS Pirae to kick off proceedings of the OFC Futsal Champions League before D’York Street from Vanuatu edged past Fiji’s Suva Futsal on the opening matchday at Auckland’s Barfoot and Thompson Stadium.
In Thursday’s final match hosts, AFF Futsal and New Caledonia’s AS TPP were forced to settle for the share of the points following a six-goal thriller.
AS PIRAE 1 – 4 KOOLINE FC
A cagey opening saw opportunities at both ends as both teams tried to stamp their mark in the historical opening match in the inaugural OFC Futsal Champions League.
Despite some threatening counterattacks from AS Pirae, Kooline’s attacking verve created pressure for the Tahitian champions, resulting in a mounting foul mark in the first half.
The pressure soon took its toll, and goalkeeper Anthony Talo opened the scoring from the 10-meter penalty mark just before half time.
A long-range strike from Talo’s Kurukuru teammate Coleman Makau followed soon after, to put some daylight between the teams at the break.
Makau’s playmaking qualities came to the fore in the second half, setting up Anorld Maeluma to make it three early in the second stanza, but Pirae struck back on the counter to reduce the deficit.
Tahiti employed the flying goalkeeper to try to get back in the match, but a late goal from the excellent Makau secured three points to put the impressive Solomon Island champions on top of the table.
AFF FUTSAL vs KOOLINE FC
Friday, 06 December
Barfoot and Thompson Stadium, Auckland, NZ
KO: 20:00 (local)
LIVE STREAM: https://bit.ly/2DL4MeZ
#OFCFCL #AFFKLN
