PLAYING in front of his own people, Amani Makoe ensured he worked some magic out for his loved ones to cheer for in the opening match of the Inkk Mobile Battle of the Giants (BOG) at Subrail Park yesterday.
The Nadi defender, who hails from Tabia in Labasa, scored the tournament's opening goal in the 89th minute to break the hearts of the Suva fans.
A lapse of concentration in the capital city defence cost them the vital points as the Jetsetters marched into the remaining rounds of the BOG with their tails up.
Makoe said scoring the crucial win in front of his family and friends was a special moment for him.
He dedicated his goal to the Almighty and thanked Him for the strength.
"It's special to score the opening goal in the tournament and doing that in front of my family who came to see the game made it extra special," Makoe said.
Suva goalkeeper Emori Ragata, who also hails from Labasa, played a grand game throughout the match but let his hard work go in vain with a lethargic attempt to save Makoe's goal.
Both teams took a cautious approach in the beginning of the match, testing each other's strength and weaknesses.
Suva made some good attacks but as usual lacked the power to slot the opener as Nadi goalkeeper Benamino Matainaqara stood tall under the sticks.
Nigerian Sanni Isaa struggled to combine with his fellow striker Samuela Drudru, who was off target at numerous occasions.
Samuela Kautoga, who joined Suva in the July transfer window, orchestrated the play from the back combining well with Sedrick Dutt and Shivam Nathan.
Veteran Veresa Toma was a threat to the Suva defenders at numerous occasions and did well to marshal his young brigade in the tough encounter.
The turf was also not perfect for play as bumpy ground restricted the smooth flow of the ball.
Nadi and Suva are placed with Lautoka and Navua in Pool Two.