Amicale Denies Suva
Amicale FC 3 (Osea Vakatalesau 2 goals, Fenedy Masauvakalo)
Suva FC 2 (Nickel Chand 1 goal, Waisake Navunigasau 1 goal)
What happened; Amicale Football Club kept their chances alive for the semifinals of the Fiji Airways OFC Champions League after defeating Suva FC 3-2 at the ANZ Stadium last night.
The first goal did not dishearten hosts Suva as they continue to build on their attacking line and applied pressure on the Vanuatu side which saw national Under-20 rep, Nickel Chand equalise from a cross from Maciu Dunadamu in the 36th minute. Both teams were locked in a 1-1 all draw at half time.
Vakatalesau led the Amicale striking force well and slotted in their second goal in the 47th minute after dribbling past Emori Ragata. Suva equalised through substitute Waisake Navunigasau in the 69th minute after he shot from out wide to beat Amicale goalkeeper Mauro Boerchio who helped pushed it down into his own net.
Suva continued to play well, but fell short at the end as Amicale extended their lead after Fenedy Masauvakalo scored their third goal in the 90th minute.
Amicale won 3-2.
Big play; Suva FC contested last year’s runner-up Amicale FC very well from the opening minute as they put the visitors most time under pressure for their goal scoring chances.
Star turn; With experienced players Amicale FC kept to their structures and kept their chances alive for the semifinal.
Comments; Suva head coach Gurjit Singh was impressed with the players’ performance and even though they are out of the semifinal, he said they would maintain their good performance against Western United on Saturday.
“Hard luck we lost, but I’m happy with the performance. It was one of the best games so far. Both the teams did their best and Amicale was a tough team. Overall it was good.
Amicale FC Head coach Marco Banchini acknowledges the fans.
“I feel that I’m really lucky and we want to thank the fans that came out in numbers,” Banchini said.
Amicale FC meets defending champions Auckland City in their final group game on Saturday to fight for a semifinal spot.
