Khelvin Engineering Lautoka FC head coach Batram Suri’s decision to change his team’s system paid dividends as Lautoka defeated Tagimoucia Nadi FC 2-0 in their second pool match of the Extra Battle of the Giants tournament at 4R Stadium at Govind Park yesterday.
The victory kept Lautoka’s hopes of securing a semi-final spot alive, while Nadi became the second team, after Blue Gas Navua FC, to exit the tournament.
Suri said the team’s change in approach made the difference.
“I reminded the players that getting the victory was important for us, and what changed for us was our system.
“We rebuilt and worked hard,” Suri said.
Lautoka will face Dayals Steels Ba FC in their final pool match today, with Suri confident his side has a plan for the crucial encounter.
“We have a plan against Ba. We will do our best to qualify for the semi-final,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nadi head coach Babs Khan admitted his side could have performed better.
“I’m just here for six weeks. Nothing happens overnight. The next game is on Sunday, so we will go back to camp, assess and see what my coaching staff will come up with.
“The connection from the midfielders to the strikers did not work well today,” Khan said.
Lautoka led 1-0 at halftime after Luciano Orzo found the back of the net.
Orzo completed his brace in the second half to seal all three points for the Blues. In another match played yesterday, Suva thumped Labasa 3-0.
