Nadi Football Club celebrated a triumphant victory at the Inter-District Championship (IDC) held on October 12, 1999. The team clinched the championship title and the prestigious Loyd Farebrother Trophy with a solitary goal from Watisoni Voli during the 57th minute at Prince Charles Park. The win captivated an audience of over 12,000 fans, as Nadi retained the trophy and snagged $10,000 in prize money.
The decisive goal resulted from a well-placed cross delivered by Alipate Driu, which Voli deftly converted inside the box, beating Ba’s goalkeeper Isikeli Seva. Prior to the goal, both teams struggled to break the deadlock, with the match looking like it would head to extra time with just three minutes remaining on the clock.
Nadi’s strategic substitution of central link Stewart Bola for Nicola Raoma added momentum to their offensive efforts. Raoma’s collaboration with Driu, Maika Kasami, and Voli proved instrumental in applying pressure on Ba’s defense, which sorely missed key players Meli Delai and Vimal Sami due to red cards from the previous semi-final game. This absence forced Ba to reorganize their defensive lineup, impacting their overall performance.
Post-match, Ba’s manager Arvind Singh acknowledged the importance of their missing players and congratulated Nadi on their well-deserved victory. “Full marks to all my players and to Nadi for a gallant performance,” he remarked.
Nadi’s journey in the IDC was marked by consistent performances. They opened the tournament with a commanding 5-1 victory over Labasa, followed by wins against Lautoka and Navua. While they faced a tough challenge in the semi-finals against Suva, advancing through penalty kicks showcased their resilience and determination.
Technical advisor Gurjeet Singh lauded his team for their hard work, noting that their efforts paid off at the right moment. Despite earlier caution in their gameplay, Nadi executed the decisive play leading to Voli’s goal, capturing a significant victory and solidifying their reputation in regional football.
This match not only highlights the competitive spirit of Fijian football but also underscores Nadi’s commitment to excellence. With hopes for future championships, fans remain optimistic that lessons learned will help forge a stronger path ahead for the team.
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