Tonga have been given a brutal welcome to international beach football by defending Oceania champions Tahiti, who put on an attacking masterclass.
Tahiti's Gervais Chan Kat (Left) is pressured by a Tongan player at the OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup 2019. Aorai Tini Hau, Tahiti, Tuesday 18th June 2019. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz
23 goals were scored in just 36 minutes, in front of a delighted home crowd. Tonga only managed to score one goal in their international debut.
The Tiki Toa set the tone early with a goal scored by Patrick Tepa directly from the kick-off.
Alimoni Kaufusi was Tonga's success story, kicking up a beautiful chip shot to beat Tahitian keeper Jonathan Torohia for the kingdom's first international goal on the sand.
Solomon Islands Anthony Talo gets a foot to the ball ahead of Vanuatu's Loic Boulet. OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup 2019, Aorai Tini Hau, Tahiti, Tuesday 18th June 2019. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz
Meanwhile, Vanuatu asked some serious questions of the Solomon Islands in a match that ended 4-2 in favour of the Bilikiki. The Solomons' consolation goals only came late in the game.
Tahiti have a day off in today, but Tonga face yet another daunting fixture when they take on Solomon Islands at 2pm, local time.
Neighbours Vanuatu and New Caledonia will be chasing their first win in the competition at 4pm.