The Extra Fiji Futsal side launched their OFC Futsal Men’s Cup 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 5-4 victory over Vanuatu in a pulsating encounter at Vodafone Arena last night.
Vanuatu started strongly, dominating possession and creating early chances before Paul Takaro capitalised on a defensive lapse to open the scoring. Fiji replied through Filipe Baravilala, set up by Merill Nand, but the visitors regained the lead courtesy of Kerol Alex’s precise volley. Praschant Chand restored parity to send both sides into halftime locked at 2-2.
The second spell turned into a gripping contest as goals flowed at both ends. Vanuatu struck twice through Michael Coulon and Takaro, while Fiji answered through Rajneel Singh and Baravilala, whose second goal delighted the home fans. The decisive moment came when Bruce Hughes finished off a swift counter-attack to hand Fiji victory.
The closing stages were marked by fierce challenges and red cards on both sides. Baravilala, who was named Player of the Match, came close to a hat-trick when his powerful strike rattled the upright.
Fiji will next face the Solomon Islands tomorrow, while Vanuatu return to action on Monday.
