The IT Solutions Ba football team started their Vodafone Fiji FACT campaign with a 3-1 win over Prasad Maintenance Works- sponsored Nasinu side at Churchill Park, Lautoka, yesterday.

But the star of the Ba side was striker turned goalkeeper Sanaila Waqanicakau who was instrumental in directing play from the back.

Ba coach, Ronil Kumar told SUNsports that they had to make the change due to shortage of goalkeepers.

First choice goalkeeper Misiwane Narube was injured while Isikeli Seva Junior was missing from the squad.

“We having a keeper problem so I placed Waqanicakau there,” Kumar said.

“He played goalie for Dreketi, so I thought to use him for this tournament. He really proved himself that he wanted to be a goalkeeper rather than a striker and I thank him for a good game.

“For the first game, we came for the three points and we did it.”

Kumar indicated that they are going to come back stronger against Rewa.

“We need to improve on our defence and in our passes. As well as the movement and shape of the team.”

What happened: Nasinu started strongly and dominated play. They kept pressuring the Ba defence but failed to score.

A corner kick in the 15th minute by nippy Ba striker Abbu Zahid, saw Darold Kakasi’s header hitting the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.

Waqanicakau made several saves to deny Nasinu’s Jone Naraba and Marlon Tahioa from scoring the equaliser.

Halftime: Ba 1-0 Nasinu

Ba continued their dominance in the second half, extending their lead 2-0 from veteran midfielder Malakai Tiwa’s header.

Nasinu pulled a goal back after Waqanicakau scored an own goal. Striker Samuela Drudru slammed in Ba’s third goal to secure the win.

Comment: Nasinu coach, Tagi Vonolagi, said: “We lacked in our finishing, we had our chances, which hit the post.

“Ba capitalised on our mistakes. They are a good team, with mobility up front and coming back, which we lacked. We need to improve on that. We need to come back strongly in the next two games. It is not over yet.”

Ba takes on Rewa while Nasinu will meet Labasa in their next group game.

Line-up

Ba: Saula Waqanicakau, Kalaveti Sivoi, Darold Kakasi, Abbu Zahid, Savenaca Nakalevu, Ilimotama Jese, Peceli Sukabula, Jonetani Newa, Suliano Tawanakoro, Malakai Tiwa, Narend Rao

Nasinu: Epeli Loaniceva, Semi Vakatalai, Sekove Naivakananumi, Marlon Tahioa, Waisiki Ravouvou, Vyas Prasad, Jone Naraba, Isikeli Ratucava, Luke Savu, Leone Damudamu, Jone Koro.

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Edited by Leone Cabenatabua