Suva Football Club youngster Faizal Ali proved to be the difference-maker on Wednesday night after coming off the bench to score the winner in Suva’s crucial 1-0 victory over defending champions Rewa FC in Round 7 of the Extra Premier League at HFC Bank Stadium on Wednesday.
Ali made an instant impact in the second half, finding the back of the net in the 61st minute with his very first touch of the game to send Suva supporters into celebration and lift the capital city side to the top of the league standings.
Suva president Nitin Singh praised the young substitute for stepping up in a pressure moment and delivering when the team needed it most.
“Faizal came in and made an immediate impact. That is what we expect from our players, to stay ready and contribute whenever called upon,” Singh said in an interview with FA.
Singh also commended the team’s overall performance against one of the toughest sides in the competition.
“The boys showed great character and discipline throughout the match. Rewa is a quality side and defending champions for a reason, so getting three points against them is a huge achievement for the team,” Singh said.
The Suva president said while the result was important, the focus now shifts towards maintaining consistency as the season progresses.
“We are happy to be on top of the table, but the season is still far from over. The focus now shifts to Round 8 and maintaining consistency,” he said.
Suva now sits on 14 points alongside Labasa and Ba, leading the standings on goal difference ahead of this weekend’s clash against Nasinu.
