Stallions Tame Lions, Dedicate First League Win To Fans
The Nadeem Mohammed coached- Nadroga football side have dedicated their first win of the season to their die-hard fans.
The Stallions defeated Labasa 1-0 during their Digicel Premier League fixture at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka yesterday. This was their first home game for the 2022 season.
What happened: The hosts fielded three debutants in the likes of Cuvu College student Niko Saukuru, Donald Bali and Ronesh Kumar. They played combined well with senior players like Ravinesh Reddy, Ato Yankson, Paulo Buke, and Mitieli Naiviro. Both teams took time to settle down.
Halftime: Nadroga 0 – 0 Labasa.
It was in the 52nd minute, when two Labasa defenders brought down midfielder Jibola Afonja in the box.
Referee Neeshil Varman pointed to the penalty spot and veteran Amani Makoe did not waste any time as he kicked the ball past replacement Labasa goalkeeper Misiwane Narube sending their fans into a frenzy.
Both teams continued to press on but their respective defence stood tall. Nadroga needed the win as they have suffered three consecutive losses.
Labasa played with 10-men after Akeimi Ralulu was red carded.
Comments: Nadroga head coach Nadeem Mohammed said: “We are more than happy as we have been trying to get the needed result for the Nadroga fans.
“This win is for the desperate fans that have been waiting for it. I thank my players for the wonderful response. We worked on all the mistakes we have been making so far in the season.
“And I have been saying week in and week out that the fans need to be patient; we thank them for coming in numbers despite losing three games in a row.
“There was no pressure; in fact we needed time to build this team. Finally we’ve won.”
Labasa coach Ravneel Pratap said: “It was a tough match and we needed the win here. Now it’s back to the drawing board for us.”
Line-up
Nadroga: Sakeo Taganeca, Ato Yankson, Semesa Sacere, Paulo Buke, Romit Narayan, Ravinesh Reddy, Sunny Deol, Niko Saukuru, Beniamino Lebatavatava, Amani Makoe, Mitieli Naiviro.
Labasa: Atunaisa Naucukidi, Lino Iliesa, Sitiveni Rakai, Pawan Singh, Edwin Sahayam, Ilaisa Vulimainavuso, Christopher Wasasala, Ilisoni Logaivau, Apenisa Anare, Akeimi Ralulu, Sekova Naivakananumi.
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