Caption: Action from Nadi versus Suva in the first round. Photo: ANUSHIL KUMAR.
By ANUSHIL KUMAR
The Power Electric Suva increased their lead in the Fiji Sun/ Skipper Tuna National Football League points table after beating Shop N Save Nadi 2-0 at ANZ Stadium in Suva earlier tonight, August 8.
The match started on a high as both teams early created goal scoring opportunities, but strikers Samuela Drudru, Rusiate Matarereqa and Napolione Qasevakatini (Nadi) and Inia Boko, Pita Rabo and Nickel Chand (Suva) failed to get past the two goalkeepers Emori Ragata and Beniaminio Mateinaqara.
A quiet Suva crowd came into jovial mood as midfielder Nickel Chand found the net with a rebound shot in the 18th minute after his first attempt was deflected by goalie Beniaminio as the hosts enjoyed a 1-0 lead at the break.
The second half became more interesting as the jetsetters were looking to find the equalizer, however the stubborn Suva defenders Kolinio Sivoki , Dave Radrigai and Waisake Navunigasau kept their ways clear .
Lanky Ravinesh Karan Singh put the final nail into the green’s coffin with the second goal in the 81st minute when the Nadi defenders were waiting for the off-side flag to go up, however it did not happen as the whites, after their 9th victory, maintained their first spot on the points table with 27 points while Nadi with 22 points remain on third place.
Suva coach Gurjit Singh was happy with the win as they are getting closer to get a spot for the OFC Champions League next year.
“It was a very important game for us, keeping in mind to qualify for the o-league and win the national league also,” Gurjit said.
“We played a very different soccer as I knew Nadi got fast strikers, so we did not allow them any space.
“For Nadroga’s game on Sunday, we will not take them lightly because they are also a strong team and they will come out firing on their home ground.”
Nadi coach Kamal Swamy was disaapointed with the loss, but he said the boys did their best.
“I am very disaapointed with the result of tonight as the second goal decision was not fair,” he said.
“Nevertheless, we will go back to the drawing-boards and prepare well for our remaining two games.” He added.
Meanwhile, in the other games this weekend, Suva travels to Lawaqa Park to face Nadroga, Rewa hosts Ba while Navua will meet Labasa at Subrail Park.