Ba’s football team, led by coach Josateki Kurivitu, showcased an outstanding performance with a decisive 3-0 victory over Nadroga in the North/West tournament. The match, held at Churchill Park, highlighted the exceptional synergy between midfielders Esala Masi and Arjun Pillay, who played a pivotal role in the triumph. Kurivitu praised them as one of the finest midfield combinations he had witnessed in a long time.
The absence of Masi and Pillay in the semi-final against Nadi was felt significantly, leading to a tough penalty shootout that Ba narrowly lost. However, their return transformed the team’s dynamics, allowing for a dominant display against Nadroga. Masi was particularly influential, expertly maneuvering through the midfield and creating opportunities for strikers Taito Bula and Manoa Masi.
The goals came from a mix of defensive lapses from Nadroga and the clinical finishing of Ba’s forwards. Pillay opened the scoring from a free-kick that exploited a gap in Nadroga’s defense, and further goals followed, including a well-executed shot from Manoa and a stunning late goal from Pillay, capping off the match in style.
Nadroga, while unable to secure a win, showcased youthful talent through representatives like Orisi Vunisa and Iferemi Kubukawa, illustrating the competitive spirit and potential coming from their ranks.
This victory not only earned Ba the North/West tournament title and a new Fiji Football Association Cup but also provided a morale boost ahead of the upcoming Battle of the Giants (BOG) tournament. Coach Kurivitu emphasized the importance of maintaining their position and momentum as they aim to replicate this form in future matches.
For fans, Ba’s recent performances signal a bright future, filled with promise and potential for exciting football in the challenges ahead.
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