Photo: OFC Media via Phototek
Defending champions and hosts Tahiti have got their title defence off to the perfect start with an impressive victory over Tonga at the men's Oceania Beach Soccer Nations Cup in Papeete.
It came after Solomon Islands tore off to a winning start in their quest to lift the tournament for the first time in a decade.
Tahiti - the two-time FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup runners-up - scored eight goals in the first period, and nine in both the second and third periods.
Patrick Tepa and Heirauarii Salem each scored six goals for Tahiti.
It was a similar score to the one between the two sides in the previous competition in 2019 when the Tahitians won 23-1.
Photo: OFC Media via Phototek
Bilikiki blast past Fiji
Solomon Islands defeated Fiji 6-3 in the tournament opener, despite falling 2-1 behind early on.
However, they soon equalised and after taking the lead continued to hold the advantage for the rest of the game.
Thomas Amasia scored twice for the Bilikiki.
Solomon Islands coach Gideon Omokirio was pleased with his side's performance.
"All the boys have worked together and we are very happy. After we went behind we had to get back up and we adjusted and scored goals." Omokirio said.
Fiji play Tonga and the Solomon Islands meet Tahiti in their second matches of the tournament on Wednesday local time.
The top teams after the round robin games are completed contest Saturday's final.
- OFC Media
