Nadi face Lautoka in semi-final

The Nadi football side finished top of Group B after walloping Rewa 3-1 in their final pool match at the ANZ Stadium, Suva, yesterday.

Rewa had a strong start as Setareki Hughes scored their opening goal to give them a 1-0 lead at the breather.

The jetsetters regrouped in the second half and came out firing with Tito Vodowaqa scoring their first goal and minutes later Rusiate Matererega scored a double which sealed the win. Nadi would be the team to beat tomorrow having key strikers with the likes of Jamaican footballer Horrace James, Rusiate Matererega and Auckland based- Imraan Shah. They are expected to come out firing against Lautoka in the second semi-final at 5pm. Nadi Football president Javed Ahmed said they are now looking forward to the semi-final against Lautoka. “We rested our key players against Rewa but we came out with a victory and I’m happy with the result. Now our focus is on the semi-final against Lautoka and we will prepare well for that,” Ahmed said.

The first semi-final will see hosts Suva taking on Labasa at 2.30pm.

BLUES BACK ON TRACK

After the 1-0 loss to Labasa, defending Courts Inter-District Championship champions Lautoka bounced back to thrash Nasinu 8-0 at the ANZ Stadium, Suva yesterday.

Lautoka coach Kamal Swamy told

SUNsports that he is proud of the players’ attitude as they now book a semifinal spot. What happened: It was all business from the start when veteran Lautoka striker Benjamin Totori slammed in three quick goals before Zibraaz Sahib scored the fourth goal from the penalty spot.

Halftime: Lautoka 4-0 Nasinu Playing for pride, Nasinu tried their best but the experience of the Lautoka side was too much for them. Lautoka’s other goals came from Samuela Drudru, Samuela Nabenia, Sairusi Nalaubu and Bakalevu Vosuga. Comments: Lautoka coach Swamy said: “I’m looking forward to the semifinal but we need to focus more on how to play professional football rather than just planning to win.”

SUVA QUALIFY

The Gurjit Singh-coached Suva side were too strong for Tavua as they ran away with a 2-0 win yesterday.

The Whites scored their goals through Napolioni Qasevakatini and Shahil Dave.