Rewa open up lead
Rewa defender Peniame Drova challenges Lautoka striker Arami Manumanubai in the Vodafone Premier League clash at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori on July 26, 2020. Rewa won 1-0 to increase their lead on the points table.
Navua slayed giant killers Nasinu 3-2 to record their first Vodafone Premier League win at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori, yesterday.
Speaking to SUNports Navua coach Mohammed Shafil said their never say die attitude won them the game.
“We really worked hard for 90 minutes where the boys trusted each other and the senior players led from the front,” Shafil said.
“They never gave up and we bagged three points and that was important to us. We managed to move forward many times and that got us the win.”
Shafil added the team would use the Punjas Battle of the Giants tournament as a testing ground for his players.
“Navua have a tough pool at the B.O.G but we will work hard and try to win. We’ll use the tournament to expose our young players and to work our combinations for the second round of the VPL.”
What happened: Both teams started strongly in the first half missing several scoring opportunities. Nasinu dominated play and controlled the game from the front but failed to score.
Navua had their chance through Apisai Smith in the 36th minute but the striker failed to score also.
Five minutes from half time Solomon Islander and Nasinu striker Marlon Tahio had a good chance to score but his attempt went wide.
Halftime: Nasinu 0-0 Navua.
The second half was no different than the first as both teams were hungry for goals.
In the 60th minute of play Nasinu’s Nasoni Mereke pounced on a through pass from Leone Damudamu to score their opening goal. Navua immediately replied with a goal to Simione Damuni in the 70th minute.
Tahio’s exceptional skills broke through the Navua defence to score their second goal as they regathered the lead 2-1
Veteran Simione Maikali came off the bench to lock the scores 2-all in the 89th minute.
It was in the 90th minute when Navua captain, Vineet Chand slotted in the winning goal.
Teams
Navua: Rusiate Amasio, Simione Damuni, Seveci Rokotakala, Thomas Dunn, Monit Chand, Apisai Smith, Vineet Chand, Isake Naduvu, Vinal Prasad, Matthew Charitar, Mohammed Shaheer
Nasinu: Viliame Rakuro, Nasoni Mereke, Marlon Tahioa, Jasnit Vikash, Joseph Mishra, Jone Naraba, Isikeli Ratucava, Luke Savu, Asaeli Tunidau, Jope Naivalu, Leone Damudamu.