TAHITI are now in a position to fight for a third or fourth place finish at the Oceania Football Confederation Futsal competition when they take on Vanuatu after winning 2-1 against New Caledonia yesterday.

The team created history for the French territory with the feat as it was the first time in eight years they have defeated New Caledonia.

Head coach Jacob Tutavae said they were extremely happy with the win, as it gave them a chance to better their rankings in the region.

“We are very happy with the win today (yesterday). It’s been eight years we have never won against New Caledonia and so today we had wanted to win this game and we are very happy. This win ensures that we have a better chance of winning either the third or fourth place,” he said.

Although falling short of the target they set out to achieve, Tutavae said they would go back to the drawing board and work for another opportunity to compete for a place in the Futsal World Cup.

Tahiti finished in second place in 2008 and 2011 and will later today face Vanuatu to determine their position in what will be their final match of the competition.

“I want to say thank you to all the family of the players who supported us. In Tahiti we cannot see the game on the TV but I know at home they are always here for the players,” he said.