It will be an all-western final in the 2024 Rooster Chicken/Scoops Ice-Cream Battle of the Giants after Nadi defeated host Suva 2-0 in the second semifinal at the HFC Bank Stadium last night.
The Jetsetters, coached by Raj Dayal, played with immense passion and determination. They managed to get on the scoreboard in the 29th minute when experienced marksman Siotame Kubu headed in an Ali Naseri free-kick, leaving Suva’s goalkeeper and captain Akuila Mateisuva with no chance.
Samuela Drudru, Bruce Hughes, and Merrill Nand missed good opportunities in front of the goal, while Joela Biuvanua also made some crucial saves.
Despite Suva’s hard work to find an equalizer, Nadi’s defense, led by Ame Votoniu, stood firm as they went into the break with a narrow lead.
Coach Babs Khan introduced Solomon Islanders Gagame Feni and Jaygrey Sipakana, along with Ni-Vanuatu striker Joe Moses, to enhance their attack.
The replacement striker Apolosi Seru sealed Nadi’s spot in the final by scoring their second goal in the 81st minute. Seru won the ball from Mateisuva off a back pass and buried it into the empty goalmouth.
Smart and Efficient Security/Calgary Nadi will face Flick Hygiene Lautoka in the grand final at 3pm tomorrow.
The teams:
Nadi – Joela Biuvanua, Shaheeel Valentine, William Valentine, Ali Naseri, Tuiba Batiratu, Ame Votoniu (C), Eneriko Matau, Ratu Tulivou (Apolosi Seru), Mohammed Aymaan, Beniamino Lebatavatava (Vuniuci Tikomaimereke), Siotame Kubu.
Suva – Akuila Mateisuva (C), Simione Nabenu, Remueru Tekiate, Ramzan Khan, Dave Radrigai, Bruce Hughes (Joe Moses), Ravnesh Karan Singh, Joeli Ranitu, Samuela Drudru, Kavaia Rawaqa, Merrill Nand (Jaygrey Sipakana).