Vodafone Fiji FACT: Jetsetters Set For Final
Favourites Lautoka bowed out of the Vodafone Fiji FACT semi-final when they lost 3-2 to a fired-up Jack’s Nadi football side at Churchill Park, Lautoka yesterday.
A jubilant Nadi coach Parnesh Amarsee told SUNsports that he is on top of the world.
“Today’s win is the highlight of my (coaching) career,” he said.
Amarsee said the Lautoka side were full of experienced players who had OFC Champions League experience compared to his young troops.
“This is a great achievement for us. For the next game, we will go back and do some recovery and we will focus on what to do next.”
WHAT HAPPENED
Playing in front of the Lautoka fans it was the visitors that drew first blood in the 15th minute through a Rahul Krishna strike.
The Blues with midfielder Zibraaz Sahib and Dave Radrigai dictating play took time to settle down before defender Kolinio Sivoki slammed in the equaliser in the 35th minute as they settled 1-1 at halftime.
The much- fitter Nadi side dominated the second half and in the 53rd minute Jeshal Kumar slotted in their second goal.
The Vereti Dickson captained- side went for the kill as they extended their lead in the 68th minute through a Tito Vodowaqa stunner.
Trailing 3-1 Lautoka fought hard and managed to pull a goal back through Sairusi Nalaubu but it was too late.
Dickson said they had focused on their fitness and the shape of their defence as they tried to minimize Lautoka’s scoring opportunities as they had top strikers like captain, Samuela Drudru and Benjamin Totori.
Despite playing without key defender Rupeni Rabici, Nadi kept a close watch on the Lautoka strikers and never allowed them room to move in.
NADI SQUAD
Samuela Tamanisau, Rahul Krishna, Josevata Malakai, Josua Tawake, Rusiate Matererega, Jeshal Kumar, William Valentine, Christopher Kumar, Aisake Kedraika, Tito Vodawaqa, Samisoni Waqabuli, Ame Votoniu, Jolame Vukivuki, Peni Tuigulagula, Jone Ralulu, Patrick Joseph, Emmanuel Prakash, Richard Naidu, Vijay Pillay, Josevata Dugucagi, Vereti Dickson.
Edited by Leone Cabenatabua
