GIANTS IN FACT 8
Nadroga, Tailevu/ Naitasiri and Navua to battle for final spot
Barring any upset, the top eight teams for the Digicel Fiji FACT tournament in June could now be determined. After yesterday’s Digicel Fiji Premier League matches, the following teams Rewa, Suva, Lautoka, Ba, Nadi, Labasa, Tailevu/Naitasiri, and Nadroga are tipped to qualify. Nadroga and Tailevu/Naitasiri need at least a draw this weekend to secure their spot.
Minnows Tavua is out of the running while Navua needs to win this
weekend if they are to challenge either Tailevu/Naitasiri or Nadroga. Nadroga got to the eighth spot after beating Tailevu/Naitasiri 2-1 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, yesterday.
However, it was unfortunate that a determined Navua side lost 1-0 to Labasa at the Uprising Sports Centre in Pacific Harbour, Deuba. After a scoreless first half, the Babasiga Lions scored their lone goal early in the second half to Ashnil Raj.
“We got another three points and I’m very pleased with the youth players who started today,” said Labasa coach Johan Leewai.
“We knew Navua would be tougher but we managed to set our game plan and we got what we wanted.” In the second match, Lautoka
came from behind to beat Suva 2-1. At Prince Charles Park, Nadi, the Rewa side continued on with their unbeaten run after beating Nadi 2-0.
Rewa took an early 1-0 when Asivorosi Rabo drew first blood but Nadi’s Christopher Kumar headed home the equaliser. The hosts took the lead shortly after that from a Pauliasi Tulivou goal before Rabo netted his second goal.
It was a tight game in the second half before Iosefo Verevou scored Rewa’s winning goal.
Rewa coach Rodicks Singh said Nadi had exploited certain areas of their game.
“We need to fix it. The players showed laxity at times and we need to stay focused,” Singh said. Veteran Nadi coach Kamal Swamy said it was close match but his players lacked the experience of playing big teams.
“We have a lot of youth boys but we are improving. Our next match is against Suva, which is another big team.”
On Saturday, the Imdad Alicoached Ba side beat Tavua 3-2 at the Fiji FA Academy ground in Ba.