Soccer boys a match for ther Tahitians
By Silafaga Lalua
It was just him and the Tahiti goal keeper in the first eight minutes of the game, at a penalty kick but team captain Petio Semaia kicked and missed, putting the team under pressure the whole first half of the match.
Although known as one of the best soccer teams of the region, team Tahiti found Tuvalu defence to be tough and only managed a one goal in the last few minutes of the first half.
Though a lot of giveaways by Team Tuvalu their defence was firm against their opponent throughout the game, with keeper Jay Timo saving a lot of otherwise tough and quick kicks from the Tahitian boys.
In the second half the defence from the Tuvalu side did not waver. The Tahiti team was faster than ever but in the last few minutes of the game Paitela timely passed the ball over to Viliamu Sekifu who kicked it into the goal.
Shouts and cheers from Tuvaluan spectators, made up of other players from Team Tuvalu and Tuvaluans who travelled to Samoa on the Nivaga Lua for the games, helped the boys along from start till the end of the match.
The boys will meet the Cook Islands on Saturday afternoon for their last pool game.
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