Navua’s debut in the Pacific Community Cup ended on a sour note as the team faced a 2-1 defeat against the AuFFI All Stars at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Under the guidance of coach Saiyad Ali, the match took a difficult turn early on when a defensive miscommunication led to an own goal by Kolinio Sivoki just five minutes into the game.
Despite trailing 1-0 at halftime, Navua showed resilience in the second half. They managed to earn a penalty deep into injury time, allowing Sivoki to redeem himself by scoring and leveling the match. However, the excitement was short-lived as the AuFFI All Stars quickly responded after the restart, with guest player Jalil Regague netting the final goal just before the match concluded.
Looking ahead, Navua will have another opportunity to bounce back as they prepare to face host team Lautoka at 8:15 PM tomorrow. Meanwhile, the AuFFI All Stars will go head-to-head with the Manukau All Stars at 7 PM.
This match showcased the competitive spirit of both teams and highlights the potential for an exhilarating tournament ahead. Navua’s ability to fight back after a tough start demonstrates their determination, and with more experience, they could improve significantly in their next matches.
Overall, the event promises to be an exciting showcase of talent in the Pacific Community Cup.
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