CAPTION: The champion Nadi side pose for our camera. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
By JOSEPHINE NAVULA
Saturday, February 16, 2013. Nadi remains unbeaten in their Fiji Sun / GP Batteries league outing after defeating arch rivals Lautoka 1-0 at Prince Charles Park earlier today.
The Green Machine continues to lead the league ladder with 19 points as Ba follows closely behind with 18 points after beating Rewa 3-0 at Govind Park in a separate match today.
Nadi Football Head Coach Kamal Swamy said it was not an easy match but was happy with the outing.
“It was a tough match, but nothing was taken from our team, and we stuck to our game plan and the players played really well,” an elated Swamy said.
Nadi’s Ilimotama Jese, left, clears the ball against Alvin Avinesh of Lautoka. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
After locking at nil-all in the first half, Nadi’s Napolioni Qase scored the winning goal 17 minutes into second half.
Lautoka Assistant Coach, Jerry Ladawa said he was impressed with the way their boys performed despite the loss.
“I am happy about today’s match and I’m also impressed at the way my players performed,” he said.
Meanwhile Nadi will be re-grouping itself to adjust the loss few key players to the national under-20 side which goes into camp to prepare for the under-20 World Cup qualifier.
“I will be losing about four players to the under-20 World Cup qualifier which is not a concern as I have other players that will be replacing them,” Nadi Head Coach Swamy said.
The under-20 World Cup qualifiers kick-off on March 17 in Lautoka.
For more pictures from today’s games, click here:- http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.480788661958571.95997.131483256889115&type=3