Rakiraki football captain Krishneel Raju proved to be the hero of the Gallau Andhra Sangam team after his goal, scored late in the second half, pushed the Super Premier final against Tavua Andhra Sangam in extra-time.
Gallau Andhra went on to win the penalty shootout 4-1.
The Tavua Andhra team went into the break leading 1-0 via a penalty goal and maintained that score towards the end of second half – until Raju’s strike.
Both teams could not get away with a goal in extra-time with the match proceeding into penalty shoot-out.
Gallau Andhra vice-president Ashneel Reddy said the boys really pushed their limits after playing all three knockout games yesterday in soggy and almost unplayable ground conditions.
“We came from behind to win this match,” he said.
“A lot of our boys were injured during the games and they gave their all to win the matches for us.”
Gallau Andhra also put back the disappointments of last year where they lost to Varadoli Andhra in the Super Premier final.
Tavua Andhra manager Avinesh Chandra said despite the loss, they were proud of the boys for putting up a good fight.
Results Quarter-finals: Tavua 4-1 Nadi, Nasinu 3-4 Lautoka, Ba 0-1 Velovelo, Suva 1-2 Gallau; Semi-final: Tavua 1-0 Lautoka, Gallau 4-2 Velovelo.
