Suva is the first non-western side of Fiji to reach the finals of the OFC Champions League -Nadi, Ba and Lautoka, the previous Fijian teams to do so are all western sides. The club from Fijian capital has enjoyed favouritisim status in their home competitions, especially after beating national champions Rewa in the national round of OFC Champions League.
Coming to the OFC Champions League in Vanuatu, Suva was only beaten by the powerhouse Auckland City by 3-0 – they recorded 6-0 win over Lupe o le Soaga and 2-0 win over Solomon Warriors. In the recent semifinal match against Tahitian champions AS Pirae, Suva needed extra time to qualify, scoring twice in the extra 30 minutes. The star of local hero Azariah Soromon shone as he scored a double in the decisive match – the former Tupuji Imere striker is the leading scorer of the continental tournament, a total of four so far.
“The team bonding we have in the team, the fighting spirit the boys have is crucial for our sucess“, said Azariah in interview to Oceania Football Center – highlighting the teamwork of his side as a major issue for the reaching the grand final. The Vanuatu international himself is being a key factor for Suva. The Whites will have a strong challenge this Saturday (27th May) against Auckland City in the decisive encounter of the tournament at Freshwater Stadium in Port Vila.
The locals will be supporting Azariah and his compatriot and also Vanuatu international Alex Saniel and especially after the home team Ifira Black Bird defeat on penalties against the New Zealand champions earlier this week. “If we stay focused, we can beat Auckland City“, stated Soromon.
Certainly, the current champions are the favourites against the first-timer finalist from Fiji, but after the strong fight imposed by Ifira, Suva might be looking forward to make things hard for Auckland City. Their 3-1 defeat in the group stage was already a close contest, but Azariah Soromon and his teammates know they will need to play the best match of their lives if they want to upset the Navy Blues and bring to Fiji for the first time the O-League’s trophy.
Oceania Football Center 