Solomon Islands beat Vanuatu 7-2 to reach the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup 2026 final against Tahiti.
The four-time champions didn’t have it all their own way however, falling behind to a spirited Vanuatu side, before coming back to secure a 7-2 victory in Papeete.
Just four minutes were on the clock when Batis Alick gave Vanuatu a shock lead – finishing from close range to open the scoring.
It took Solomon Islands time to assert themselves and recover from the early setback, but when they did, they never looked back. Max Fa’ari equalised with a scrambled finish before Roy Mafane arrowed a fantastic effort into the top corner to complete the turnaround – giving Solomon Islands the lead after the first period.
Albert Bobby made it three with a direct free-kick that gave Vanuatu goalkeeper Sterry Tor no chance, with Apolos Ahua finding the net with a wonderfully neat finish five minutes later to make it 4-1.
Player of the Match Charlie Otainao made it five with a direct free-kick that flashed low into the corner, only for Alick to score his and Vanuatu’s second almost immediately from the kick-off to reduce the arrears.
Any hopes of a comeback however were duly snuffed out, when Remsy Melo grabbed a quickfire double, scoring twice in two minutes to re-establish Solomon Islands’ dominance and ensure they came away with the three points.
They can now look forward to the final this weekend, with hosts Tahiti their opponents. The two sides jointly hold the record for most title wins with four – adding even more excitement to their much anticipated clash.
Vanuatu: 2 (Batis ALICK 4′, 24′)
Solomon Islands: 7 (Max FA’ARI 8′, Roy MAFANE 9′, Albert BOBBY 15′, Apolos AHUA 20′, Charlie OTAINAO 24′, Remsy MELO 31′, 32′)
SOURCE// OFC PRESS RELEASE
