Defending champion Nadi is through to the semi-finals of the 2020 Vodafone Fiji FACT after beating Navua 4-1 in their last Group B match at Subrail Park in Labasa yesterday.
Navua scored first through Seveci Rokotakala in the 25th minute, but the Jetsetters levelled scores in the 33rd minute through a Avinesh Warran Suwamy penalty.
Rokotakala had handled the ball inside the box.
The teams rested 1-1 at the break and captain Sakaraia Naisua put Nadi up in the 50th minute.
Replacement Rusiate Matarerega got their third goal in the 63rd minute before Suwamy scored his second and the final goal late in the game to seal their semi-final spot. Nadi coach Kamal Swamy said it was good to win the last pool match.
“It was tough, especially after going down early but the boys organised themselves and we came out with the win,” said the Nadi mentor.
Navua captain Vinit Chand said his players had many reasons to hold their heads up high despite the loss.
“It was always going to be tough in this pool. Suva, Lautoka and Nadi are great teams and we are glad we gave them a run for their money. As far as the team is concerned, we will go back, regroup and come back stronger next year,” Chand said.
The teams:
Nadi– Vereti Dickson, Avinesh Suwamy, William Valentine, Ashneel Kumar, Beniamino Lebatavatava, Shivneel Pillay, Ame Votoniu, Serevi Waqa, Afraz Ali, Josua Tawake, Sakaraia Naisua (C).
Navua– Thakur Narayan, Alfred Ali, Seveci Rokotakala, Apisai Smith, Brian Charitar, Vineet Chand, Mannav Permal, Isake Naduvu, Mosese Balenagags, Vinal Prasad, Matthew Charitar.
