Omanis have the Cup

Its players might hail from all corners of the earth but New Zealand's top ethnic football team lives in Palmerston North.

The Massey University-based Omani soccer team emerged victorious at the second annual New Zealand Communities' Football Cup, held at Arena Manawatu on Saturday and Sunday.

The team, which has players from Oman, Malaysia, Egypt, New Zealand and Nigeria, won the event in a close final against Upper Hutt's UK Kiwi side yesterday afternoon.

The game was tied 1-1 after 90 minutes of normal time. When the five minutes of extra time went without a goal being scored, the game came down to a penalty shootout.

The Omani team scored all of their goals but a magnificent save from their goalie won them the tournament.

Player Ali Alshibli said it was an awesome feeling to win the final with the home crowd cheering them on.

"It's exciting to be national champions. I think we will keep celebrating for the whole week."

But UK Kiwi was a worthy opponent, beating the Omani team in the group fixture and keeping them scoreless for most of the final.

"We said before the semi that we were sure UK Kiwi would make the final. We had to get to the final to avenge the loss we had."

The Omani team were one of eight ethnic soccer sides from around New Zealand competing. Others came from Auckland, Hamilton, Nelson, Upper Hutt, Christchurch and Wellington.

Organiser and ethnic liaison officer Constable Darren Paki said the tournament was a success. "Nothing went wrong, the weather was good and the teams thoroughly enjoyed themselves."

The event also featured food and demonstrations from the police armed offenders squad and the dog section.

- © Fairfax NZ News