Navua’s debut in the Pacific Community Cup was a challenging one, as they suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against the AuFFI All Stars at Churchill Park in Lautoka. The match began on a disheartening note for Navua, who conceded an own goal just five minutes into the game due to a mix-up in defense, which saw Kolinio Sivoki unintentionally redirect the ball into his own net.
Despite trailing 1-0 at halftime, Navua regrouped and put in a determined effort during the second half. Their hard work paid off when they were awarded a penalty deep in injury time, and Sivoki redeemed himself by scoring the equalizer. However, the joy was short-lived as AuFFI All Stars quickly launched a counterattack, leading to a last-minute winner from guest player Jalil Regague.
Looking ahead, Navua will take on the host team Lautoka in their next match, scheduled for 8:15 PM tomorrow, while the AuFFI All Stars will face the Manukau All Stars at 7 PM.
This match, while disappointing for Navua, showcased their resilience and determination. With a strong second-half performance and the ability to recover after an early setback, the team has the potential to bounce back in their upcoming matches. There is hope that they will learn from this experience and improve in their future games in the tournament.
Summary: Navua lost their first match in the Pacific Community Cup 2-1 to AuFFI All Stars after conceding an early own goal, leveling the score late with a penalty, only to lose with a last-minute goal. They look to regroup in their next match against Lautoka.
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