Published in the Fiji Times on Tuesday, May 28, 2002.
Giant killers Nasinu added defending champions Nadroga’s scalp to its victim’s list, as the underdogs advanced into the final with a well-deserved 1-0 win in their semi-final encounter.
Solomon Island import and goal scoring machine Wille Beuka sent the Stallions packing with his awesome goal five minutes after the breather.
Beuka’s goal was a spectacular as he struck the ball in midair with his lethal right foot.
Nasinu defender Viren Singh beat two Nadroga defenders and floated a cross just outside the Nadroga penalty box and straight on the path of a speedy Beuka.
The Solomon Islanders read the cross well and slammed a right footer which sailed into the goal, giving Nadroga goalkeeper Luke Tavuyara no chance to make a save.
Beuka combined well with his fellow countryman Mark Mehau and Paul Usumai as they set-up numerous raids on the Nadroga goal.
Tavuyara, with defenders Apenisa Qereqeretabua, Pauliasi Gavidi, and Orisi Vunisa worked over-time to contain the Nasinu onslaught.
Mehau came close to increasing the margin but he skyed the ball after being in a one-on-one situation with Tavuyara.
Nadroga with national strikers Manoa Masi and Alipate Driu had numerous scorings, chances in both halves, but poor finishing foiled their chances.
Stallions coach Ramesh Sharma said they failed to capitalize on the opportunities they had, while Nasinu had one in the second spell and they used it.
Nasinu coach Gurjeet Singh said making it into the finals was a plus for them, as the odds were against them.
The former national under-23 coach put the win down to good teamwork and determination.
Nadroga is a very strong team and we being the under-dogs faced an uphill battle,” said Singh.
Singh was banned from sitting with his team on the sideline, after a decision by the Board of Control, he shouted out orders from the grandstand in the first half then after seeking approval from Fiji FA official Askok Balgovind stood behind the perimeter fence behind the team.
Nasinu: Edwin Sunil, Sanjeshwant Kumar, Jone Roko, Rupeni Tabua, Ronald Ram, Rocky Prasad, Beuka, Mehau, Usumai, Nitesh Prasad.
Nadroga: Tavuyara, Vunisa, Qereqeretabua, Harish Bali, Nitesh Prasad, Atunesh Prasad, Pauliasi Gavidi, Penaia Pio, Driu, Masi, Noa Senula.
