AAK & Easy Kool Air Conditioning Nadi FC now have a slim chance of qualifying for the semi-final of the 2025 FMF Inter-District Championship after holding Power Volt Suva FC to a 1-1 draw at 4R Stadium, Govind Park, Ba yesterday.
After going down 0-2 to Labasa in their opening match, Nadi managed to secure a valuable point from yesterday’s encounter.
The result means Nadi now sit on one point, while Suvawho have drawn both their matches are on two points on the table.
The match ended in controversy when the referee disallowed what would have been Nadi’s winning goal from an indirect free kick.
Tuiba Batiratu found the back of the net, but the referee ruled it out, explaining that the ball had not been properly moved by the first player, Afraz Ali, before the second player took the kick.
Ali only touched the ball without moving it, and despite protests from Nadi, the referee stood by his decision.
Earlier, Nadi took the lead in the 20th minute through Mohammed Soleyman, giving them a 1-0 advantage at halftime.
However, Suva’s Merril Nand struck early in the second half to level the score, and both teams maintained strong defensive lines until the final whistle.
Nadi goalkeeper Aadil Mohammed was named Player of the Match for his outstanding saves and command at the back.
“It’s a pleasing result we got a point, and in our next game, we’ll aim to win and collect all three points.
“After our first loss, we went into camp, and our coach did a great job in bonding the team. We had a good talk and came back stronger today,” Mohammed said.
Nadi faces another strong challenge today with Lautoka bracing for their third pool match.
They will clash at 6pm in what wraps up matches from Group A.
Suva is up first today at 2pm and faces an uphill battle as they will have to beat the defending champions, Labasa.
