The Suva and Nadi football teams earned one point each in their 0-0 draw during the Vodafone Premier League clash at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori, last night.
What happened: Both teams played attacking football but equal to the occasion were the team’s defence. Midway in the first half the game became scrappy as players began to make mistakes.
Suva were playing with 10-men after striker Savenaca Nakalevu received a red card following a violent attack on Nadi’s Rupeni Rabia.
Rabia was also yellow carded for foul play. Suva’s Sakaraia Naisua was also flashed a yellow card .
Striker Josefata Dugucagi had the best opportunity to give Nadi the lead right at halftime from the penalty spot, but missed to the joy of the Suva fans.
Nadi came out strongly in the second half with the likes of Rusiate Matirerega and Napolioni Qasevakatini dictating play while goalkeeper Vereti Dickson was shouting out instructions. Veteran Suva goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau stood the test and made a number of crucial saves.
Big Play: Despite playing with 10-men the Suva defenders held their own and never allowed Nadi to score. Tamanisau was again Suva’s hero with his saves.
Comments; Nadi coach Babs Khan said: “It was a structured Suva side but we kept the ball and played kick and chase.
“Now we will go back and develop our young players since most of the senior players will be leaving for overseas.”
Suva coach Tuka Tisam said: “The boys did very well apart from the red card but it’s football we have to deal with it.”
- Edited by Leone Cabenatabua
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