Williams works on discipline
10-MAN NADROGA SURVIVE TEST TO BEAT DREKETI AS THEY TAKE ON BUA IN TODAY’S IDC SENIOR DIVISION FINAL
Experience and patience were the contributing factors in Nadroga’s 3-1 win over Dreketi in the Courts Interdistrict Championship’s Senior Division semifinal at the ANZ Stadium, Suva, yesterday.
The 10-man Nadroga side trailed 1-0 against a young Dreketi team before they fought back to win.
Speaking to SUNsports Nadroga coach Johnny Williams said they had to dig deeper in the second half.
“We made a mistake early in the game and that nearly cost us the game,” the former star midfielder said.
“I reminded the boys to be patient and hold on to the ball and try to launch their attacks. We were a man down but the boys had confidence and the character to pull off the win.”
In the final against Bua, Williams said, they had to work hard on their discipline.
“We must also improve on our finishing. We will try and win the IDC,” he said.
What happened: Dreketi had a strong start as they tried to put pressure on the Nadroga said. Continuous pressure saw the Nadroga defenders working overtime and resulting in Krishneel Dutt’s foul that saw him cop the red card. Dreketi took the lead in the 13th minute when Sisa Valesua scored from the penalty spot.
Halftime: Nadroga 0-1 Dreketi.
Nadroga with senior players like Osea Vakatalesau controlled the game as they dominated possession.
In the 54th minute Vakatalesau slotted in a penalty to level the scores 1-1.
The former Fiji and Hekari FC striker showed his class when he sent in a cross in the 63rd minute for Lisari Qalica to head in their second goal. With the 2-1 lead, Nadroga never gave up and in the 89th minute Gerard Voi rifled in their third goal.
Star turn: Vakatalesau’s cross that was headed in by Qalica took the fight out of the Dreketi players.
TEAM LISTS Nadroga:
Sakeo Taganeca, Setareki Vola, Josefata Neibuli, Krishneel Dutt, Paula Buke, Sunny Deol, Taniela Raubula, Tomasi Tuicakau, Osea Vakatalesau, Leisari Qalica, Charles Williams Dreketi: Mohammed Alam, Amaan Ahmad, Filipe Nayava, Mohammed Raheem, Setareki Raiole, Abinesh Chand, Kavneel Prasad, Sisa Valesua, Apenisa Raiole, Mohammed Isaac
Lautoka midfield general Malakai Rakula is closely marked by veteran Ba midfielder Malakai Tiwa (left) and defender Mitieli Naiviro during the Courts Interdistrict Championship’s Premiersemifinal at the ANZ Stadium, Suva, on October 10, 2020. Lautoka won 2-1 to play in today’s final.