Nadi and Ba played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in a thrilling Extra Premier League clash at the Fiji Football Association Academy ground in Ba yesterday.
The match lived up to expectations with both teams starting strongly and showing attacking intent from the first whistle. Nadi’s experienced forward Rusiate Matarerega broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, finishing off a well-worked move to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
However, Ba responded swiftly. Just two minutes later, Penaia Nagatalevu found the back of the net to level the scores 1-1, bringing the home crowd to life.
The intensity remained high as both sides traded opportunities, but the scoreline remained unchanged at halftime.
Nadi came out stronger in the second half, applying more pressure and playing with structure and pace.
Their efforts paid off in the 72nd minute when Ratu Tulivou slotted in their second goal, giving the Green Machine a 2-1 advantage.
But the Men in Black refused to back down.
Led by their skipper Etonia Dogalau, Ba lifted their tempo and were rewarded in the 84th minute when Dogalau calmly converted the equaliser, sealing a point for the home side.
Meanwhile, in another Western clash, Lautoka edged Nadroga 2-1 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka to continue their climb up the league standings.
In the Women’s Super League Ba thumped Suva 8-0.
