Former Solomon Islands U19 standout Paul Francis shone in the Extra Premier League, scoring three goals to help Nasinu secure an exhilarating 3-3 draw against Nadi today at King Charles Park.
The match began with hosts Nadi taking an early lead thanks to two swift goals from their talented forward, Rusiate Matarerega. However, Nasinu responded brilliantly, with Francis converting a penalty and later adding a second goal to level the score at halftime.
In the second half, Nadi regained the lead through former Fiji U17 player Vinayak Rao. Yet, Nasinu’s determination saw them awarded another penalty, where Francis completed his hat trick by beating goalkeeper Ratu Halstead for the third time, ensuring a thrilling draw.
Both teams now sit on seven points after four matches in the league, underlining the competitive nature of the tournament.
The starting line-ups for both teams featured notable players, with Nadi fielding a squad that included Matarerega and Rao, while Nasinu’s lineup showcased the skills of Francis and teammates such as Emmanuel Etim and Jone Rupeni.
This impressive performance by Nasinu gives them a significant boost as they continue to develop throughout the season. With players like Francis showing remarkable form, fans can look forward to more exciting matches ahead.
The match epitomizes the spirit of competition within the league, highlighting the unpredictability and excitement that each game brings, and reflects the bright future ahead for teams willing to display resilience and talent on the pitch.
Leave a comment