The 2023 Digicel Fiji FACT started on a high note yesterday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
The first major football tournament of the year had teams showcase some good quality games in the first round.
Lautoka created the biggest upset of day one when they beat defending champions and recent OFC Champions League finalists Suva by a goal to nil in the third match.
Saula Waqa’s goal set the ball rolling for the Blues in this year’s first tournament.
Ba was another big winner on the opening day as they beat a gallant Navua side 2-1.
Navua had more opportunities in the match but the Men in Black converted when it mattered which saw them register three points.
The Nadi football side would be scratching their heads this morning knowing they could have registered three points as well if they held on for another few minutes against Tailevu Naitasiri.
Down by a goal, Tailevu Naitasiri equalised in the 94th minute to get themselves a crucial point.
Labasa played Rewa in the last match of day one.
The match was still underway when this edition went to press.
Fiji FA competitions manager Amitesh Pal said more exciting matches are expected today.
“Some very competitive games were witnessed on day one and we expect nothing less kn the second day,”Pal said.
“The first game is always the difficult one for teams in tournaments and they will be more settled when they play in their second matches.”
In matches today, Lautoka plays Navua at 1pm, Rewa battles Tailevu Naitasiri at 3pm, Labasa plays Nadi at 5pm while Suva takes on Ba at 7pm.
