It will be an all-western final in the 2024 Rooster Chicken/Scoops Ice-Cream Battle of the Giants after Nadi edged host Suva 2-0 in the second semifinal at the HFC Bank Stadium tonight.
The Raj Dayal-coached Jetsetters played with a lot of passion and determination, managing to get on the scoreboard in the 29th minute when experienced marksman Siotame Kubu headed in an Ali Naseri free-kick, leaving no chance for goalkeeper and Suva Captain Akuila Mateisuva.
Samuela Drudru, Bruce Hughes, and Merrill Nand missed good chances in front of goal, while Joela Biuvanua also made a couple of important saves.
Suva worked hard for an equalizer, but Nadi’s defense, led by Ame Votoniu, stood firm, carrying a slender lead into halftime.
Coach Babs Khan introduced Solomon Islanders Gagame Feni and Jaygrey Sipakana, along with Ni-Vanuatu striker Joe Moses, to bolster their attack.
Substitute striker Apolosi Seru sealed Nadi’s spot in the final by scoring their second goal in the 81st minute, capitalizing on a back pass and slotting it into an empty goal after winning the ball from Mateisuva.
Smart and Efficient Security/Calgary Nadi will face Flick Hygiene Lautoka in the grand final at 3pm tomorrow.
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).