Aotearoa New Zealand will return to international futsal action this month, following a 3 year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Futsal Whites taking part in the OFC Futsal Cup 2022 in Fiji (13 - 18 September). 

Futsal Whites head coach Marvin Eakins has named a 14-person squad for the tournament, with 10 players set to make their senior international debut. The new-look squad features eight players who impressed in July’s FISU World University Futsal Championships where the team recorded their best ever result, finishing 7th overall at the tournament. 

Futsal Whites - Full Squad:

Rahan Ali (Southern United)*

Yousif Al-Kalisy (Auckland City FC)*

Mike Antamanov (Auckland City FC)*

Stephen Ashby (Auckland City FC)

Jordi Ditfort (Waikato Rapids)

Hamish Grey (ASD Isola 5)*

Oban Hawkins (Northern Comets)

Ethan Martin (Waikato Rapids)*

Sean McIntee (Auckland City FC)*

Adam Paulsen (Auckland City FC)*

Casey Sharplin (Waikato Rapids)*

Patrick Steele (Waikato Rapids)*

Denny Twigg (Northern Comets)*

Logan Wisnewski (Waikato Rapids)

* Debut senior squad selection 

“It has been a long time coming but I’m really pleased to finally be able to name a senior men’s futsal squad again for international action.  

“This is an exciting group with a great blend of young new talent and senior experience. A large number of the squad put in a really impressive performance at the FISU World University Futsal Championships so I’m looking forward to seeing how they step up to senior level. 

“This tournament gives us a great opportunity to test ourselves against some strong OFC sides ahead of World Cup qualifying next year.” 

The Futsal Whites have been drawn in Group A with Tonga, Vanuatu, and a Fiji Football Association ‘President’s Five’. Group B consists of Fiji, New Caledonia, Samoa and Solomon Islands.

Every match of the OFC Futsal Cup 2022 will be livestreamed and available to watch free on the OFC website via Eleven Sports at https://www.oceaniafootball.com/ 

Article added: Wednesday 07 September 2022