Defending champs, YCF on track

Defending champions Yalalevu Club football side joined Nadi’s Esy Kool Nalovo FC for the semi-final in the Vodafone National Regional Club Championship at the Fiji Academy ground, Suva this weekend.

This is after the Dayal Steel sponsored YCF side edged Northpole FC 2-1 in their final pool play at the Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka on Sunday. What happened: The Ba champion took the lead in the fourth minute when left link Junior Singh followed up on free kick which deflected from the Northpole defenders. The side had the experiences in the form of Malakai Tiwa, Sanaila Waqa, Shivneel Singh and former Tavua goalie Ravinesh Singh. 22 minute later the side increased their lead to 2-0 with a goal from new find and Fiji Under 17 rep Nabil Begg when he rocketed a shot as goalie Ben Mateinqara failed to stop.

Half-time: YCF FC 2-0 Northpole FC.

Northpole FC had the services of Suva reps Jonetani Buksh, Ravinesh Karan Singh, Christopher Wasasala, and Kelvin Naidu.

In the early stage of the second spell Iosefo Verevou did set up a goal for nippy Mashooq Ilyaz who rifled a shot to beat goalie Ravinesh Anand Singh.

Meanwhile, Suva champion

Northpole FC bowed out of the tournament winless after two games.

Comments: YCF coach Marshal Ali said, “I am impressed with the boys. Our game was lifted today as we had training on Saturday. We had technical advisor Shalen Lal assisting the team. Well we are on track as the defending champions. We will look forward to the semifinal clash.”

Northpole FC coach Imtiaz Begg said, “We did not have a good outing this year as we had only four days to prepare the team. We had players who had injury like Christopher Wasasala (hamstring). None the less Yalalevu did give us a good game and we wish them all the best.”