Nadi reached the finals of the 2024 Rooster Chicken/Scoops Ice-Cream Battle of the Giants after defeating host Suva 2-0 in the second semifinal at the HFC Bank Stadium tonight.
The Raj Dayal-coached Jetsetters demonstrated passion and determination, getting on the scoreboard in the 29th minute when experienced forward Siotame Kubu headed in a free-kick from Ali Naseri, leaving no chance for Suva Captain and goalkeeper Akuila Mateisuva.
Despite several missed opportunities in front of goal by Samuela Drudru, Bruce Hughes, and Merrill Nand, and some crucial saves from Joela Biuvanua, Suva couldn’t find the equaliser. Nadi’s defence, led by Ame Votoniu, held firm, maintaining a slender lead through the break.
Suva’s coach Babs Khan brought in Solomon Islanders Gagame Feni and Jaygrey Sipakana, along with Ni-Vanuatu striker Joe Moses, to bolster their attack, but to no avail.
Nadi cemented their place in the final when replacement striker Apolosi Seru scored in the 81st minute, seizing the ball from Mateisuva off a back pass and slotting it into an empty net.
Smart and Efficient Security/Calgary Nadi will face Flick Hygiene Lautoka in the grand final at 3pm tomorrow.
Team Line-ups:
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).