Ba’s Goal Heroes
Strikers Abbu Zahid and Samuela Nabenia’s quick goals in the second period of extra time saw Ba romped to a 2-0 win over Suva in the Inkk Mobile Battle of the Giants final at Churchill Park, Lautoka yesterday.
Zahid, a Lautoka native stood tall on the occasion to score for the Men-in-Black and historically opened the pathway to their 17th B.O.G title win since 1978.
“We have done a lot of sacrifices and it has been a proud moment for me personally to score,” he told SUNsports.
“We needed this win as for the past three years we have been losing and I dedicate this win and goal to all Ba fans out there.”
The 27-year-old won the Golden Boot Award for scoring five goals in the five-day event and also claimed the Best Player of the Tournament award.
Furthermore, it was a historic for Ronil Kumar who won his first title as head coach for the Ba side.
Interestingly, Kumar was the skipper of the Ba side that beat Suva 2-1 in the 2006 B.O.G where he scored the first goal. “Thanks to the player for the hard work and fans for the victory. We knew it would be tough in the final and that is football. Now we can move our focus to the IDC and O-League,” he said.
What happened: Ba started the match strongly but missed several scoring opportunities. Suva also had their moments as their defence worked overtime to contain the Ba strikers who were a constant threat since they were well fed by their midfielders.
The match ended in a scoreless draw and the scores remained the same at the end of the first period of extra time.
During the second period of extra time, the Suva defence began to tire out as Ba upped the tempo.
A timely cross from the right flank by substitute Kini Madigi saw Zahid sneak past the defenders to head the ball past veteran Suva goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau.
With a 1-0 lead Ba piled on the pressure and a counter attack saw Nabenia first-timed a cross to the roof of the net.
Ba won $15,000 for their efforts while Suva settled for $4000
Comment: Ba FA president Rishi Kumar said, “We’re happy to win our 17th B.O.G title. Our fans need to have patience as these boys and their families did a great job for Ba.
“I will triple up the prize money where each player will get $2000.”
Suva coach Gurjeet Singh said: “It was hard luck for us but overall we performed well we played extra time yesterday and today again. It was tough for us.”
B.O.G WINNERS Player of Day 5- Malakai Tiwa (Ba) Fair Play- Suva Golden Boot Award- Abbu Zahid (Ba) Golden Glove Award- Josaia Ratu (Ba) Best Player of the Tournament- Abbu Zahid (Ba)