Dark horse Nadroga kept its Punjas Battle of the Giants semi-final hopes alive with a 1-all draw against favourites Labasa at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday.
Christopher Wasasala scored in the 14th minute for the Babasiga Lions, however, midfielder Tomasi Tuivuna equalised immediately after the restart.
The result means Group A remains wide open with the final round of matches today to decide which teams qualify for the semi-finals next week.
Nadroga coach Joseph Nitya Nand said his boys played a good game considering that Labasa had won its opening round match.
“The draw is a good result because Labasa has skilful players,” Nand said. “So a draw against Labasa is like a win for us.
“The boys took instructions well when the team was down by a goal. “They equalised immediately and this showed their true fighting character.”
Nadroga drew nil-all against Nadi in the opening round on Friday.
“When you compare us against Nadi and Labasa, we don’t have the calibre of players that they have,” Nand said.
Labasa coach Ravneel Pratap said they made a positive start scoring first but then lost concentration in defence to allow for the equaliser.
“We could have won but could not build on the momentum,” he said.
“We will need to work very hard for the next game against Nadi. We need to focus on our mind-set on how we can protect the lead or how we are going to play the whole game.
“Nadi will be the favourites because they beat us in the recent Digicel Premier League competition.”
Teams:
- Nadroga: Sakeo Taganeca, Ato Yankson, Paulo Buke, Romit Narayan, Sekove Finau, Tomasi Tuicakau, Zain Ali, Benaminio Lebatavatava, Vilitati Kautoga, Sajneel Sharma, Mitieli Naiviro.
- Labasa: Simione Tamanisau, Lino Iliesa, Sitiveni Rakai, Christopher, Wasawasa, Ilisoni Lolaivalu, Ashnil Raju, Ratu Apenisa Anare, Akeimi Ralulu, Lekima Gonerau, Sekove Naivakananumi, Taniela Waqa.
