STRIKER Napolioni Qasevakatini rescued Suva with a spectacular goal from a 30-metre strike against Nadi (1-1) in the 2015 Inkk Mobile Battle of the Giants tournament yesterday.
Qasevakatini limped off in the second half following an ankle injury.
“We will have to see the injury,” Suva coach Gurjit Singh said.
“He’s still limping. It’s an ankle injury and hopefully he is OK for tomorrow (today).”
Nadi dominated the opening 45 minutes and held a deserving 1-0 lead at halftime. Utility Antonio Tuivuna scored for Nadi following a misunderstanding among the Suva defenders which led to goalkeeper Ulaiasi Tamanisau being caught out of position.
Suva was a changed side in the second half as coach Singh’s tactical substitutions paid dividends when he sent in stars like Rusiate Matarerega, Nickel Chand and Waisake Navunigasau.
“We made a slow start,” Singh said.
“In the first half we were very cautious, not allowing them to score but they scored a goal. In the second half we made a few positional changes.
“The boys were really determined. The message at halftime was really clear… if we lose then same thing will happen that happened in the Fiji FACT. We had to work hard and score a goal. I think all of them worked very hard then.”
Jack’s Nadi coach Kamal Swamy said, “Overall we played well”.
“Suva is an equally good side with a lot of depth on the bench. They also had a good strategy. Overall the opportunities we created were more than what Suva created. People can say whatever they like… they (Suva) were running with the ball.”
Swamy said it was a tough game and commended Nadi’s defensive efforts when Suva took control in the latter stages of the game. He said Nadi allowed Suva to equalise.
“The way the defensive was, I think it was great of Nadi. We stopped pressing and they equalised. Unfortunately, it was a freak from far-range. This is a tough pool. Getting a draw, we didn’t lose. At least we got a point and it’s a bonus for us.”
Teams:
Suva:
Ulaiasi Tamanisau, Dave Radrigai, Jale Dreloa, Kolinio Sivuki, Leone Damudamu, Pita Rabo, Sakaraia Naisua, Maciu Dunadamu, Tomasi Uculoa, Poasa Bainivalu, Napolioni Qasevakatini
Nadi:
Vereti Dickson, Shafim Buksh, Eliki Ravosai, William Valentine, Munit Krishna, Antonio Tuivuna, Iliesa Lino, Ilimotama Jesse, Ame Votoniu, Lekima Gonerau, Samuela Drudru
