IT was a tense and closely fought match as Suva’s Pacific Specialist Healthcare/Nadera Buses Combine Brothers team managed to secure a narrow 3-2 victory over Nasinu’s Friends United FC in the Dayal’s Sawmillers National Club Championship, yesterday at Fiji FA Academy grounds in Vatuwaqa.
The game was deadlocked at 2-2 at halftime, but the tide turned in favor of Combine Brothers when Friends United went down to 10 men following Joseph Mishra’s red card for a second booking.
The decisive moment arrived in the 77th minute when Neerav Goundar netted the winning goal, clinching a hard-earned win for the Suva side.
Despite a valiant effort from Friends United, the disadvantage of playing with fewer players proved costly in the end.
Team secretary Kapil Swami expressed pride in the team’s history, highlighting their qualification for the National Club Championship.
“It has been over 10 years since we qualified for the National Club Championship, and we are very proud of our history,” said Swami.
“Most of the players are based in Samabula area, and we are thankful that we got our old players that has been backing us over the years.”
Reflecting on their journey through the Southern zone play-offs, Swami commended the team’s resilience in overcoming challenges, including injuries.
“Last week we came through the Southern zone play-offs it was a bit tough time for us, especially we got a few injuries, but other than that I believe the results today was great from the boys.
“My message to the boys before the match was to go out and give it, you’re all on the field, I believe the boys have worked really hard throughout the season and hats off to them.”
Swami extended his gratitude to the players for their hard work on the field and also thanked their sponsors, Pacific Specialist Healthcare and Nadera Buses Limited.
The team will face 4R FC tomorrow at 12pm, in their second match.
