Tahiti and Solomon Islands opened their 2026 OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup campaigns with commanding victories on Saturday, 24 October, scoring a combined 28 goals at Aorai Tini Hau in Pirae. The hosts overwhelmed Vanuatu 18-1, while Solomon Islands defeated New Caledonia 10-5, establishing themselves as the early frontrunners in the competition.
The Tiki Toa delivered the biggest result of the opening day, scoring eight goals in the first period and another seven in the second against a Vanuatu side returning to the continental competition after seven years. Ro’onui Tinirauarii struck twice inside the opening four minutes, with Roonui Lesca also finding the net early as Tahiti quickly took control of the contest.
Heirauarii Salem, the tournament’s Golden Boot winner in 2024, was the standout performer, scoring seven goals, including several spectacular overhead kicks. His long-range bicycle kick for Tahiti’s 17th goal was among the highlights of the afternoon. Tinirauarii finished with five goals, while Lesca completed a hat-trick. Tearii Labaste, Matatia Paama and Gervais Chan Kat also contributed to the victory.
Vanuatu, who had won their first three tournament meetings with Tahiti between 2006 and 2009, struggled to contain the hosts’ attacking pressure. Batis Alick scored their only goal in the 19th minute, but Tahiti continued to dominate and completed an emphatic victory in their pursuit of a record fifth continental title.
Earlier, Solomon Islands recovered from an early setback to defeat New Caledonia 10-5. Jean-Pierre Ayawa gave the New Caledonians the lead inside four minutes, but Erick Wanega equalised almost immediately before Adrian Mara, Roy Mafane and goalkeeper Roy Funusui helped the Bilikiki Boys establish a 4-1 advantage by the end of the opening period.
Solomon Islands extended their lead in the second period, with Wanega scoring twice in quick succession to complete his hat-trick. Ramsy Melo also found the net as the Bilikiki Boys entered the final period with a commanding 9-3 advantage. Wanega’s performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
New Caledonia showed greater resistance as the contest progressed, with Gilles Xanatre scoring twice and Makaluë Xowi and Daniel Tagawa also finding the net. However, Mara completed his own hat-trick to ensure Solomon Islands reached double figures and secured an important opening victory.
The results leave Tahiti and Solomon Islands level on three points, with the Tiki Toa holding first place thanks to their superior goal difference. The tournament features four nations following Papua New Guinea’s withdrawal, with each side playing three group-stage matches before the top two contest the final on 31 October.
Both winning teams will meet in the next round on Monday, 26 October, in what promises to be an important encounter in the race for the final. New Caledonia and Vanuatu will also face each other as they attempt to recover from their opening defeats.
The eventual champions will secure Oceania’s qualification place at the 2027 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
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