Action from the clash at Prince Charles Park. Photo: ANUSHIL KUMAR. For more pictures, click here:- https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.630175410353228.1073741983.131483256889115&type=3
By ANUSHIL KUMAR
League leaders Suva continued their impressive performance in the Fiji Sun / Skipper Tuna National Football league after defeating the Shop N Save Nadi 1-0 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi today, February 22.
The match started on a high as both teams were hungry for a win in order to remain undefeated in the series.
With home support and cheer, Nadi applied early pressure into the game, however, midfielder William Valentine and striker Napolioni Qasevakatini failed to capitalize on the scoring opportunities.
The visitors broke the hearts of the mighty home fans in the 41st minute as Suva’s 2012 IDC hero Waisake Navunigasau took advantage of Nadi’s defensive blunder and easily placed the ball into the back of the net giving Suva a 1-0 lead.
Both teams applied intense pressure trying to find the net as Suva led 1-0 at the breather.
With harsh and encouraging words from coach Kamal Swamy, Nadi tried to fight back as they dominated most of the possessions in the second half.
Frustrations grew in the Nadi camp as Napolioni Qasevakatini was given a red card in the 58th minute for a dangerous foul while Suva’s Sakaraia Naisua was also shown the marching orders in the 68th minute.
The green machines tried everything but it was too late for them as Suva’s lone goal was enough for them to get the maximum points.
Suva coach Gurjit Singh was happy with his squads performance as he was looking forward to bag some away points.
“We really worked on our game plan to stop Nadi as I wanted one point, but getting three points is a bonus for us,” Gurjit said.
“We will try to work on our discipline factor as in previous games, no cards were shown to us, but now we will try to work on it,” he added.
Nadi president Navneeda Goundar was really disappointed with the games outcome but is optimistic that it the boys will bounce back after suffering a loss.
“It is a very good lesson to the boys as they were flying too high and I think now they will come down after suffering a loss,” Gounder said.
“We are not fit at the moment and for the O-League coming up, we really have to work on as it will be a different ball game,” he added.