Nadogo College Under-19 football side shocked defending champions, Xavier College, by holding them to a 1-1 draw.

Xavier had the better of the first half and scored the opening goal through Penisoni Tirau.

However, in the second half, the intensity picked up with the decisive equalising goal being scored by Nadogo College defender, Viliame Koroi, from a well-placed free kick.

Nadogo team manager, Semisi Rasivo, said they have prepared well for Xavier.

“We had two weeks of preparation in school and we knew what a champion side like Xavier will bring on game day,” he said.

Rasivo said they had to improve in capitalising on their chances.

Xavier coach, Krishneel Singh, said they are content with the draw.

He said their aspiration to defend their title will not die out and they are firmly placed on top of the standings.

When asked on which team he believed would challenge them for the title, he said they are only focused on their own performance.

“We have good players and we will improve as the tournament progresses”.

Xavier has four points and lead Pool B while Nadogo will have to beat Vunimono High School to have a chance of qualifying.

Only the pool winners and the two best runners-up from the six pools will qualify for the main quarter-finals.

Results: Labasa Muslim 1-0 AD Patel, Nadogo College 1-1 Xavier College, Baulevu 1-0 Sigatoka Valley, Tavua College 3-1 Tabia College, Natabua College 3-1 Rishikul Sanatan College.

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