Avinesh Suwamy’s brace sends Nadi to Fiji FACT semi-final stage

The experienced Avinesh Suwamy was once again the decisor for Nadi; this time against Navua at Fiji FACT group stage matchday three. Despite the favouritism, it was Navua who took the lead thanks to a goal of the veteran player Seveci Rokotakala at the 23th minute of play.

Minutes later, the same Seveci Rokotakala commited a handball inside the penalty box – a penalty was awarded to Nadi. Suwamy made no mistake from the spot with a powerful kick to level the game. The result of the first 45 minutes was 1-1.

The final part of the game was almost totally dominated by Nadi. Both sides had to deal with a terrible pitch, but Nadi managed to pull upfront thanks to the striker Sakaraia Naisua. The player chested the ball down in the are and finished calmly to Navua’s nets.

Rusiate Matarerega coming from the bench scored another for Nadi at the 62th minute of play. The result was still not enough for Nadi to confirm their spot at the semi-finals of Fiji FACT as they needed to overcome Navua by atleast three goals.

The decisive goal came in the injury time thanks to, once again, the captain Suwamy. A fantastic free-kick from long range that lobbed the opposition to goalkeeper to confirm his side spot at the decisive part of the tournament. You can see the fantastic goal clicking here.

Navua leaves the tournament with three defeats in three matches, conceding a total of 11 goals and scoring four. Nadi has now six points – two wins from three games and one defeat – and will force Lautoka into winning Suva by at least three goals to qualify for the semi-finals; taking the place from Suva if they do so.

You can see the complete standinds, results and top-goalscorers of the Fiji FACT so far by visiting our competition page.