Navua Survive, Nadroga Today
It’s going to be a replay of last year’s senior division final, says Navua football team director John Wise on their clash against Nadroga today.
Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Wise said they were looking forward to their second pool game especially after beating Taveuni 2-1 at Buckhurst Park.
“We lacked consistency and were lucky to score and win,” he said.
Wise said it was unfortunate that veteran Seveci Rokotakala could not play because of an urgent work commitment. The Navua strike force of Sikeli Naula, Mannav Permal and Monit Chand missed over 10 goal scoring opportunities. Taveuni goalkeeper Emosi Rakaboa played his heart out and made save after save to keep his team in the game.
After a scoreless first half, Taveuni silenced the Navua supporters when Shailendra Buisena slammed the ball past a diving Navua goalkeeper Viliame Rakuro for a 1-0 lead. Navua was coach Mohammed Shafil shouting instructions from the sideline went on attack but the sound goalkeeping of Rakaboa kept them at bay.
In the 78th minute a Chand cross was headed in by the lanky Naula for Navua equalising goal.
Tactical changes made by Shafil paid dividend for Navua in the 85th minute when replacement midfielder Dorsant Naidu pressured the Taveuni defenders into mistakes setting up Sharad Kumar to slam in the winning goal. Taveuni fought back with Buisena leading the charge in trying to find the equaliser but the sound defence of classy Netani and Serevasio Doli stood tall. -