Suva in, Nadi out Rewa on track for IDC finals stages
HOSTS Suva confirmed its spot in the last four of the 2022 Courts IDC after a convincing 2-1 win over Nadi in their last pool match yesterday.
Missing several key players to suspension, Suva started on a low note when Nadi midfielder William Valentine scored a beautiful goal with a strike from outside the Suva box.
Suva settled in slowly and held possession as they trailed 0-1 at halftime.
Peniasi Rotidara got the Whites on level terms in the second spell with Suva’s first goal.
Marlon Tahioa scored minutes later to ensure Suva finished top of its group.
Nadi’s James Hoyt was sent off in the second spell for an off the ball incident with Suva’s Ramzan Khan.
Whites coach Babs Khan said their first aim was completed in the tournament.
“We had to get out of our pool and we are glad we managed to do that.
“We missed out in qualifying at the BOG and we knew how important it was to qualify here.”
He thanked the backing from the fans which assisted them.
“The fans have been great. We thank them for their support and expect the numbers to grow in the semi-finals.”
Suva finished as winners of their group while Navua finished as runner-up.
Teams
Suva: Jovilisi Borisi, Inoke Turagalailai, Ramzan Khan, Malakai Rakula, Marlon Tahioa, Ravinesh Karan Singh, Azariah Soromon, Filipe Baravilala, Peniasi Rotidara, Ronaldo Wilkins, Samuela Navoce
Nadi: Tevita Raia, Shuiab Khan, William Komasi, Noa Vukica, William Valentine, Jaygray Sipakana, Josua Tawake, Laisenia Raura, James Hoyt, Barrie Limoki, Siotame Kubu
THE Rewa football side was the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the 2022 Courts Inter District Championship after defeating Lautoka 2-1 in their pool match yesterday.
The Delta Tigers went into the match needing to win having drawn its first two matches against Labasa and Ba.
Abbu Zaid gave the Rewa side the lead early on.
Blues captain Zibraaz Sahib equalised for the sugar city side before the break as the teams rested tied one goal apiece.
Both teams had equal possession share and opportunities in the second spell but it was Solomon Island import Atkin Kaua’s goal which sent Rewa through to the last four.
Rewa coach Marika Rodu said his team stepped up to the occasion.
“It was always going to be tough but hats off to the boys. They played well and got the goals that were needed.
“Still a lot of work to be done before the semi-finals. We made a slow start to the tournament and now it will be a knockout competition so we have to pick up on our game.
It was a disappointing end for the Lautoka side who bowed out of the tournament after the loss.
Teams
Rewa: Epeli Loaniceva, Peniame Drova, Iavn Kumar, Atkin Kaua, Jeshal Kumar, Abbu Zaid, Gabriele Matanisiga, Madhwan Gounder, Tevita Waranivalu, Josaia Sela, Iowane matanisiga
Lautoka: Joela Biuvanua, Epeli Leiroti, Zibraaz Sahib, aporosa Yada, EdwardAaron, Muni shivam Naidu, Gulam Razool, Saula Waqa, Antonio Tuivuna, Kolinio Sivoki, Sakaraia Naisua