The Concrete Dynamic Limited/Rams Cleaning Services Suva side edged Extra Supermarket Rewa 1-nil in the opening match of the Rooster Chicken/Scoops Ice-Cream Battle of the Giants (BOG) tournament at Prince Charles Park in Nadi yesterday.
The Babs Khan-coached Suva side left it late in the match to get the winning goal.
The match started on a low note as both teams tried to find their feet under slippery underfoot conditions.
The rain in Nadi on Thursday and early yesterday morning had the ground soggy as the first match kicked off.
Both teams had a few opportunities in the first spell but failed to capitalise as they rested tied nil-all at half-time.
Suva applied pressure in the second spell and was finally rewarded when veteran Ravinesh Karan Singh blasted in the winner from an acute angle on the right flank. Suva did miss a number of good opportunities in the second spell, failing to increase their lead.
However, the lone goal was enough to secure the crucial three points for the Whites.
Suva captain Akuila Mateisuva said every match would be like a final for his side.
“No match will be easy. I just want to thank the Lord for the win and also my players.
It wasn’t easy. Rewa is a very good team and we respect that, but coming away with the win is a good result for us,” Matesuva said.
The lanky stopper says the match against Ba today will be tougher.
“A win will strengthen our chances to make the semis but we know Ba will not be easy. We need to keep up the momentum from the first game and we are looking forward to a good game.”
Suva plays Ba at 5pm today while Labasa takes on Rewa at 3pm.
Teams
Rewa: Mohammed Alam, Peniame Drova, Patrick Joseph, Abbu Zaid, Setareki Hughes, Gabrielli Matanisiga, Madhwan Gounder, Tevita Waranivalu, Epeli Valevou, Monit Chand, Iowane Matanisiga
Suva: Akuila Mateisuva, Inoke Turagalailai, Dave Radrigai, Marlon Tahioa, Joeli Ranitu, Azariah Soromon, Samuela Kautoga, Kavaia Rawaqa, Filipe Baravilala, Merrill Nand, Alex Saniel
