After a convicing win over Navua by 4-1 in its debut match in the competition, Nadi certainly would have a strong opponent to face in its second match in Battle of Giants; the team captained by Avinesh Suwamy played against the Marika Rodu-coached side Rewa – both sides needed only a win to qualify for the semifinals.
The Jetsetters pulled upfront in the scoreline in the 29th minute of play through the efforts of the talented player Afraz Ali. Rewa battled hard in the match counting on the likes of Misaele Draunibaka and Bruce Hughes, but the final outcome of the game was the win for the Green Machine thanks to Ali’s first half strike – the minimum advantage was enough for Nadi that managed well to defend its lead and keep the danger out of the box.
Rewa, that decided to play a total different team from its match against Lautoka, paid the price to not count on the good performers Setareki Hughes and Gabriele Matanisiga since the start of the match, but Marika Rodu recently stated winning Battle of the Giants is a secondary goal for Rewa as their main focus is to get first ever national league title for Rewa, so it is fair decision to rest its players in this match.
Nadi is the only team in the competition to record two wins in two games; the team coached by Kamal Suwamy secured a spot in the semifinal and will play its final match against already eliminated hosts Lautoka to confirm its first spot in the Group B.
Oceania Football Center 