After many polemics, Fiji FA decided to keep the games of Fiji FACT semi-finals at Subrail Park. The pitch was really not at good conditions, but the players bravely entered to the pitch to defend their districts. The first semi-final saw Rewa taking on Nadi – a match that had a really big half-time as its first 45 minutes were played one week ago. The goal scored by Vuniuci Tikomaimereke was the difference between both sides.
Rewa started the second half attacking, expecting to find an early equaliser. The team coached by Marika Rodu saw the introduction of Bruce Hughes and Anish Khem – and they worked for the Delta Tigers: at the 72th minute of play, Bruce Hughes crossed the ball to the box from a free-kick, the defender Peniame Drova flicked the ball and Gabriele Matanisiga chested the ball home to equalise the game.
Unfortuantely for Rewa, at the 89th minute of play a very well-taken corner by Avinesh Suwamy found the head of Ame Votoniu, the veteran put the ball in the back of the nets to give Nadi a late lead. That was already too late for Rewa to react.
Avinesh Suwamy displayed a very good game and was always dangerous to Rewa defense with his dead balls; as the pitch conditions were very bad – puddles and muddy – the free-kicks and corners were the best option to attack and having a specialist in dead balls as Suwamy was key for Nadi side.
This is going to be the first final of a major tournament Nadi achieves this year, they are the current title holders of Fiji FACT and will be looking to retake the glory this Sunday in Labasa. They wait to find out whether Suva or the hosts Labasa will be their opponents in the grand final.
Oceania Football Center 