Chand tells what made Nasinu click
The Nasinu football team bounced back from a disastrous start to the Punjas Battle of the Giants tournament by thumping Suva 3-1 yesterday in the biggest upset so far.
Nasinu entered the match minus their coach Tagi Vonolagi and captain Leone Damudamu who both received red cards in their 7-3 thrashing by Ba in their opening match on Friday.
Many would have thought the derby would be going the capital city’s way but Nasinu seemed reinvigorated and entered to put their loss behind them.
What happened: Both teams started well but Suva began to dominate midway the first half. Poor finishing saw them miss several scoring opportunities.
Despite that, the Nasinu side kept their composure and in the 43rd minute were rewarded with a goal to right striker Luke Savu.
The Nailaga, Ba native is the son of former national star striker Taito
Bula.
Halftime: Suva 0-1 Nasinu
In the second spell Suva skipper Ravinesh Karan Singh levelled scores 1-1 in the 67th minute.
Then Solomon Islands import Narlon Tahioa spoilt Suva’s party and probably had them with one foot in the bus back home with two scintillating goals towards the end of the match.
The capital city side simply had no answer to their neighbours’ attacks and questions were raised on their fitness level towards the end of the match.
Star turn: Nasinu’s ability to take advantage of the tired Suva players in the final quarter enabled Tahioa to score twice.
Comment: Nasinu Football Association president, Oneil Chand said: “I told them (players) to adopt a never-say-die attitude.
“We are targeting a semifinal spot and hope to get a good result in our final group match against Labasa.”