The NZFFI Manukau All Stars, last year’s finalists, have advanced to the semi-finals of the 2024 Flick Hygiene Pacific Community Cup following a decisive 3-1 victory against Navua FC in their final Group A match held at Churchill Park, Lautoka.
Key players Alex Senial, Jack Caunter, and Garbhan Coughlan each found the back of the net, contributing to the All Stars’ impressive performance. However, Navua faced an uphill battle when their goalkeeper, Jovilisi Borisi, received a red card in the second half, further complicating their situation. Despite this challenge, Filipe Baravilala managed to score a consolation goal for Navua in the 59th minute.
After the match, captain Jack Caunter expressed pride in his team’s resilience. He emphasized the importance of maintaining player health, stating, “That was good. The boys got through without any injuries, which was our main concern. Once we went a couple of goals up, we felt relatively comfortable.” He also acknowledged the team’s initial struggles but highlighted a newfound confidence. “We knew we needed to win today, and we got the result,” he said, looking forward to the semi-finals with optimism.
This victory serves as a turning point for the Manukau All Stars, demonstrating their ability to bounce back and strengthen team morale as they continue their journey in the tournament. With their sights set on the semi-finals, the team appears ready to capitalize on this momentum.
In summary, the Manukau All Stars showcased skill and determination in their recent match, setting the stage for a promising performance in the upcoming semi-finals.
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