Caption: Nadi’s Ame Votuniu and Rewa’s Tevita Waranivalu fights for possession in air during the National League encounter at Prince Charles Park earlier this afternoon. Photo: ANUSHIL KUMAR.
By ANUSHIL KUMAR
A high-flying Nadi sparkled up at Prince Charles Park as they hammered Rewa 5-0 in the 2015 Rewa Galaxy Premier League encounter earlier this afternoon.
Rewa, after a lackluster performance in their 4-1 loss to Ba last week, failed to settle well in the rainy conditions as Nadi started dominating possession from the first whistle.
Ratu Josefata Dugucagi opened the floodgates in the 4th minute with a pile-driving shot as Rewa defenders looked unsettled in the early stages of play.
The hosts worked well with the 4-4-2 formation as Ame Votuniu, Ilimotama Jese, Waisake Tabucavu and Eliki Ravosai displayed some noble football touches keeping the 1,500 plus crowd entertained throughout the game.
Eliki doubled the lead for Nadi in the 13th minute following a free kick curled-in by Dugucagi as the Reds’ defenders failed to clear the ball. Haltime: Nadi 2 Rewa 0.
Nadi’s goalkeeper-cum-striker Benaminio Mateinaqara (left) celebrates his goal teammate Samuela Drudru. Photo: ANUSHIL KUMAR.
The Jetsetters once again fired-up in the second half with Rahul Krishna getting the third goal in the 48th minute.
Lanky left midfielder Lekima Gonerau showed his individual brilliance in the 61st minute beating four Rewa defenders and slamming it past diving goalie Simione Tamanisau to make it 4-0 before goalkeeper-cum-striker Benaminio Mateinaqara banged in the fifth goal putting the final nail into the Rewa coffin.
Nadi coach Kamal Swamy said the 5-0 win was a bonus to them.
“The boys played according to our game plan and the boys are connecting well with 4-4-2 formation,” Kamal said.
“Fitness is a key factor that is still lacking in our players and we will surely work on it during our training sessions.”
Disappointed Rewa coach Marika Rodu described this game as the worst performance for his side.
“I’m really disappointed. The players need to stand up well for the game,” Rodu said.
“We lost the focus in the first half and again we lost it in the second half. We really need to wake up.”
Meanwhile in other matches played over the weekend, Lautoka punished Ba 2-1 on Friday, Labasa defeated Tailevu Naitasiri 1-0 before holding defending champions Suva 2-2 while Nadroga upset Lautoka 1-0 at Lawaqa Park.
Labasa now leads the points table with eight points ahead of second placed Nadi with seven points.