Solomon Kurukuru made strong second half come back to walk over New Caledonia

Oceania's reigning Futsal champions the Solomon Kurukuru made a brilliant second half come-back from a 2-3 deficit at half-time, to thrash New Caledonia 8-3 in the second match of the OFC Futsal Qualifiers at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, last night.Backed by a strong vocal support from the Solomon Islands community in Suva, the Kurukuru boys lived up to expectations with their outstanding performance and constant display of skills that continuously mesmerised fans out of their seats.

In a match that followed the upset of Day 1 when hosts Fiji beat favourites Vanuatu 2-1, Solomon Kurukuru hit the net through captain Elliot Ragomo within the first few seconds of play which caught everyone by surprise including the time keepers who forgot to start the clock at kick-off.

The scoreline was extended to 2-0 in the 14th minute with a goal from Francis Lafai. Just as the crowd were starting to roar, New Caledonia bounced back with three quick goals in the 14th, 17th and 18th minute to lead 3-2 at half-time.

At the start of the second-half, the Kurukuru boys fired up presumably from a team talk at half-time from coach Dickson Daudau.

This eventuated with five unanswered goals in the second half through goals from Elliot Ragomo (37th min); Micah Lea'alafa (22nd, 22nd min); Moffat Sikwa'ae (26th min); James Egata (31st min); and Jack Wetney (37th min).

Solomon Kurukuru's second match tonight at 8pm (Fj time) will be against hosts Fiji who are also sitting at three points after one win but lagging behind the Kurukuru due to goals scored.