An all-western final is set in the 2024 Rooster Chicken/Scoops Ice-Cream Battle of the Giants after Nadi triumphed over host Suva 2-0 in the second semifinal at the HFC Bank Stadium tonight.
The Raj Dayal-coached Jetsetters played with tremendous passion and determination, securing the first goal in the 29th minute. Experienced forward Siotame Kubu headed in a free-kick from Ali Naseri, leaving Suva’s goalkeeper and captain, Akuila Mateisuva, with no chance.
Despite several good opportunities from Samuela Drudru, Bruce Hughes, and Merrill Nand, as well as notable saves by Joela Biuvanua, Suva could not find the equalizer. Nadi’s defense, anchored by Ame Votoniu, held strong as they went into halftime with a slim lead.
Coach Babs Khan from Suva introduced Solomon Islanders Gagame Feni and Jaygrey Sipakana, alongside Ni-Vanuatu striker Joe Moses, to rejuvenate their attack in the second half.
Nadi sealed their place in the final when substitute striker Apolosi Seru scored their second goal in the 81st minute. Seru won the ball from Mateisuva following a misdirected back pass and slotted it into an unguarded net.
Smart and Efficient Security/Calgary Nadi will now face Flick Hygiene Lautoka in the grand final at 3pm tomorrow.
The teams lined up as follows:
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).