The NZFFI Manukau All Stars have secured their place in the semi-finals of the 2024 Flick Hygiene Pacific Community Cup following an impressive 3-1 victory against Navua FC during their final Group A match at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
The All Stars showcased a strong performance, with goals from Alex Senial, Jack Caunter, and Garbhan Coughlan contributing to their win. Navua faced an additional challenge in the second half when their goalkeeper, Jovilisi Borisi, was shown a red card. Despite their struggles, Navua’s Filipe Baravilala managed to net a consolation goal in the 59th minute.
Captain Jack Caunter expressed pride in his team’s resilience, highlighting that the primary concern was keeping all players injury-free. He stated, “Once we went a couple of goals up, we felt relatively comfortable. We were more concerned about yellow cards and maintaining our composure on the pitch.” Caunter also reflected on the team’s journey, noting that despite a rough start with an earlier loss, the team’s confidence has grown significantly. “Yesterday’s result has really excited the boys about what we can achieve. We are taking it one game at a time, and now, it’s on to the semi-finals—we’re up for it,” he added.
This victory marks a significant turning point for the All Stars as they prepare for the next stage of the tournament, showcasing their potential and determination to succeed.
In summary, the Manukau All Stars demonstrated strong teamwork and a positive mindset, setting the stage for a promising future in the Pacific Community Cup. Their ability to bounce back from setbacks illustrates their resilience and commitment to the game.
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