The Nadi football side scored two classic goals as they twice came from behind to draw with Rewa 2-2 in their Group B opener of the Courts Inter-District Championship in Suva yesterday.

The second goal a 40-yard screamer from 19-year-old striker Eneriko Matau was dubbed by Nadi coach Kamal Swamy, as the goal of the tournament.

“Eneriko has just left school and was playing for the Nadi Under-20 side before I moved up to the senior team,” the wily coach told SUNsports.

“That could be the best goal of the tournament and it was 40-yard shot.”

Matau who hails from Naitasiri said the goal was only made possible through teamwork.

After a scoreless first half, Rewa took the lead in the 57th minute when nippy striker Asivorosi Rabo worked his way through the left flank to earn a corner.

From the corner kick, Nadi goalkeeper Vereti Dickson was caught napping allowing Iosefo Verevou to slot in the first goal.

The Professional Valuation/ Esy Kool Nadi changed their tactic by using the flanks to lodge their counter attack with Siotame Kubu being their lone striker upfront.

In one of their counter attacks, Christopher Kumar blasted the ball from the right flank forcing Ajay Trading Rewa goalkeeper Mohammed Alam to tap the ball away. Kubu controlled the rebound and fed Kumar who made another powerful attempt with Alam palming the ball to the oncoming midfielder Rahul Krishna, who slammed in the equaliser.

Rewa was desperate for a win and sent in Abbu Zahid, Samuela Nabenia and Epeli Valevou.

Nadi player mob Eneriko Matau, 191, for scoring the equaliser. Nadi held Rewa to a 2-2 draw. Photo: Ronald Kumar

Tireless Rewa striker Setareki Hughes found a gap in the Nadi defence and passed the ball to Nabenia who dribbled past two defenders before slipping a pass to Valevou, who controlled the ball before toeing it between Dickson’s legs for the second goal.

However, Rewa’s joy was short-lived, when Matau’s stunner shook the back of the net as they settled for a 2-2 draw.

“Our aim now is to qualify from our pool. We’ll take Suva next and they have are good team with a good coach of Ravinesh Kumar,” he added.

Meanwhile, Fiji Football Association’s competition manager Amitesh Pal said due to poor ground conditions they were forced to move the game at Bidesi Park to Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori.

“I’ll have another check at the ground and confirm whether Saturday’s matches could be played there. I’ll send another press release once we get the venues sorted out,” he said.

Results

Super Premier: Ba 1-0 Tailevu/Naitasiri, Rewa 2-2 Nadi

Premier: Tavua 3-2 Rakiraki, Nadroga 0-0 Nasinu

Senior: Northland Tailevu 0-1 Bua, Lami 2-0 Dreketi.

Women’s: Fiji 2- 1 New Caledonia

There were matches played last night when this edition went to press.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj