Defending Pacific Cup champions Nadi have kept their semifinal hopes alive after beating Australian Savusavu 1-0 in their second match at Bill Mckinlay Park in Auckland, New Zealand, yesterday.

The Anand Sami coached-side set the pace in the second day of the competition for Fijian teams taking part in the tournament.

Fiji Football Association chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf said he was impressed with the Fiji teams taking part in the tournament.

“So far we have witnessed top class football action from the teams taking part,” Yusuf told SUNsports from Auckland.

“Four Fiji teams are taking part and they have brought their experienced and national reps to play in the tournament.

“We are closely monitoring the performance of the players and our coach will be here as well on Friday to monitor the players,” Yusuf said.

It is expected that Vodafone Fijian football coach Christophe Gamel will be selecting new potential players in his squad for next year’s national team’s commitments.

“We are keeping an eye on players as such tournament gives us the opportunity to find new talents.”

Yusuf said the Fijian teams have a good chance of winning the Pacific Cup after an impressive show in the two days of pool plays.

“Nadi, Lautoka, Rewa and Labasa have played well so far and we are hoping a team from Fiji will win again this year.”

Nadi have the services of top strikers like Rusiate Matererega, Napolioni Qasevakatini and Vereti Dickson while defending Vodafone Premier League champions Lautoka with their key players are tipped to win the tournament.

The four Fijian teams are up against New Zealand, Australia and USA teams to win the tournament which offers the first prize money of $10,000. The tournament ends on Sunday.

RESULTS

Day 1- Auckland 2-0 Manukau 0, Northshore 1-0 Labasa, USA 2-1 Rewa, Lautoka 1-1 Nadi

Day 2- NZ All Star 5-0 USA All Star 0, Nadi 1-0 Australia Savusavu. Matches were still being played when this edition went to press last night.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback:  riteshkumar@gmail.com