THE All in one Builders Ba FC has been crowned the champions of the 2022 All in One Cakes & Restaurant Pacific Community Cup after beating RC Manubhai / Esy Kool Nadi FC 1-0 in the final at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on Sunday.
Youngster Nabil Begg scored the first-half screamer to give the Ba side its first Pacific Cup win.
The Men in Black defeated Suva 1-0 in the first semi-final while Nadi won 2-1 against defending champions Lautoka in the second semi-final.
Both teams met in the group stages in which Nadi won 2-1 and coming into the final, the Men in Black entered the field with a cautious approach.
It was in the 17th minute that Begg netted the lone goal after a neat setup by midfielder Entonio Dogalau which came on the foot of the youngster who slammed the ball past the diving Nadi goalkeeper.
Nadi missed two good chances in the opening 10 minutes of the match as Siotame Kubu and Fordney Jnr Paomae were set up well but could not connect with their final touches.
The Kamal Swamy-coached Nadi toiled hard to get back in the match but daring saves by Ba goalie Tevita Koroi and good defence of Augustine Contratti and Malakai Rere kept their goal mouth protected. There was high tensions and drama in the second half as Ba smartly defended and used long balls to keep the attack while Nadi used all tactics to get into the opponent’s half.
The hosts had to end the match with only nine players after strikers Siotame Kubu and Eneriko Matau were flashed direct red cards for violent conduct.
Ba coach Ronil Kumar praised his players for their gallant performance.
“Hats off to my players for playing their hearts out. We came here with a mission and I am proud that we have won the title for the first time,” said former national midfielder.
“The boys really executed the game plan after we lost to Nadi in the group stage.”
Ba had the services of three Argentinians while Nadi had one import. Teenage sensation Begg scooped the Golden Ball and Golden Boot Award after scoring five goals in the four-day tourney.
Ba goalie Koroi won the Golden Glove while Nadi youngster Nikesh Singh was given the Find of the Tournament award. Ba walked away $10,000 richer while Nadi received $3000.
