Jack’s Nadi striker Napolioni Qasevakatini saved his side from defeat when he scored the equaliser in the 70th minute as they held Labasa 1-1 in the Vodafone Premier League clash at Prince Charles Park, Nadi, last night.

What happened: New find Mohammed Zaid opened La­basa’s account in the third minute as they led 1-0.

Nadi had themselves to blame when defender Mosese Balenaga made a blunder inside the box which was capitalised by Zaid as he slammed the ball past goal­keeper Vereti Dickson.

Not long Balenaga was substituted after the coaching staff felt that he was their weak link.

Halftime: Labasa 1 – 0 Nadi.

Nadi fought hard but the Labasa defence held them back. A set piece move saw Qasevakatini capitalised on a Rusiate Matererega pass in the penalty box and slot­ted the ball past goalkeeper Akuila Mateisuva.

The goal had the Nadi fans celebrating urging the team to go for the winning goal.

Big plays: Defenders liesa Lino, Taniela Waqa and Thomas Steiner played well for the Babasiga Lions. They contained the Nadi strikers of Matererega and Qasevakatini until in the 70th minute.

Star turn: Rahul Krishna and Ame Votoniu were in­strumental in setting up many of Nadi’s moves from midfield but poor finishing and wrong decisions let them down.

Comments: Labasa captain Lekima Gonerau said: “We had a lot of chances but we did not capitalise on it. I guess we did not train as a team as that reflected in our play.”

Nadi captain Vereti Dickson said: “It was a blunder from us that allowed Labasa to score but the boys did not lose hope and we managed to score the equaliser.”

Meanwhile, Labasa will now take on Lautoka to­morrow at 3pm while Nadi face Dreketi at 1pm. Both matches will be played at Churchill Park in Lautoka.

– Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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