Marshall Islands Soccer Federation: “We did it!”

The Marshall Islands Soccer Federation issued a statement following the successful completion of the inaugural Outrigger Challenge Cup.

The tournament was hosted in the capital of the Marshall Islands, Majuro, and in addition to the hosts, Kiribati and Micronesia participated.

Of the 3 nations, only Kiribati is an associate member of the Oceania Football Confederation, while none of the three nations is a member of FIFA, the statement:

“We did it! The inaugural Outrigger Challenge Cup for futsal has concluded and what an event it was.

Hosted in Majuro, RMI - 3 nations competed (Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Kiribati)

Each team entered 2 teams to make a 6 team tournament (2 pools of 3)

Kiribati were the worthy winners. Despite only being Associate Members of OFC this nation are soccer crazy and have a frightening amount of strength and depth.

After asking all the competitors, their goalkeeper Taea Matakite was voted 'Player of the Tournament'

All 3 nations put on a masterclass - and despite not coming away with any silverware Micronesia can be incredibly proud of their performance.

Young Player of the Tournament was awarded to Yopi Laurdine of FSM - who at 16 lit up the matches with skill that belied his years.

One name you should definitely remember is Bakabane Bangao. The Kiribati number 7 and captain was ruthless in front of goal. He was supported by a stellar supporting cast but he came away with the Golden Boot award.

We can't stress how much of a triumph this event was for both soccer & futsal. FSM and RMI are not yet members of any confederation so this trip was completely self-funded. In no small part thanks to the generosity of soccer fans around the world - with shirt sales contributing massively towards this event taking part.

Let's do this again! We want to make this a yearly event, bringing together our brothers and sisters from the Northern Pacific region. Together, stronger.

Watch the highlights from the final between RMI & Kiribati:

Thanks to Spiideo for helping us stream the match LIVE all the way from the Marshall Islands!

Kommol tata for your support.”

Lloyd Owers technical director of the Marshall Islands Football Association wrote to X after the tournament:

“And there it is… the Outrigger Challenge Cup is done for now (until next year!)

It’s been a huge honour to co-plan an international tournament with 2 weeks notice and unite 3 nations.

I’m also hugely proud to have coached the first national sides for Marshall Islands, reaching the final and performing so well.

We are proud, the players are proud and the good crowd that turned out should be proud of their new local role models.

Sport - what a powerful tool.”