The Nasinu football side secured its spot in the final of the Premier Division defeating Tavua 3-1 in the first semi-final at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva yesterday.
Joseph Mishra scored the opening goal for Nasinu in the 19th minute. Tavua, which had impressed in pool play, equalised when Ratu Dau successfully converted a penalty as the teams rested tied 1-all.
Nasinu made a perfect start to the second spell when Nasoni Mereke put the side ahead in the 48th minute.
An own goal by Tavua’s Sailasa Naicegu ensured Nasinu a spot in today’s final. Coach Shivam Nathan said the team was in a need to win and reach the final.
“There was a lot of pressure on Nasinu to perform in this game and I’m glad the boys were able to deliver,” Nathan said.
Nasinu lost to Seaqaqa 2-nil in the pool stages and the coach said that was a wake up call for his side.
“We missed a lot of opportunities in that match and we were really disappointed after that loss. I am glad we were able to come back stronger and make the final.”
Nasinu will play Seaqaqa in the Premier Division final at 12.30pm today. The winner will walk away $6000 richer.
Teams:
- Tavua: Sitiveni Matalaba, Sakiusa Saqiri, Abhishay Kumar, Kasim Khan, Tomasi Biautubu, Ratu Dau, Sailasa Naicequ, Sikeli Sagatoro, Shameel Rao, Hussaini Khan, Sailasa Ratu
- Nasinu: Alivereti Baleloa, Mohammed Shazil Ali, Nasoni Mereke, Ravikash Krishna, Manasa Levaci, Douglas Willietien, Amani Makoe, Joseph Mishra, Nemani Dolodai, Geary Kubu, Isikeli Tovilo
