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 tonight.
The Raj Dayal-coached Jetsetters played with passion and determination, getting on the scoreboard in the 29th minute when experienced marksman Siotame Kubu headed in an Ali Naseri free-kick, giving no chance to Suva’s goalkeeper and captain Akuila Mateisuva.
Samuela Drudru, Bruce Hughes, and Merrill Nand missed good opportunities in front of the goal while Joela Biuvanua made several good saves for Nadi.
Suva worked hard for an equalizer, but Nadi’s defense, led by Ame Votoniu, held firm, and 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 add spark to their attack.
Substitute striker Apolosi Seru secured Nadi’s spot in the final by scoring their second goal in the 81st minute, winning the ball from Mateisuva off a back pass and burying it into an empty goal.
Smart and Efficient Security/Calgary Nadi will face Flick Hygiene Lautoka in the grand final at 3 pm 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).