Oceania Football Center

Sairusi Nalaubu shines as Suva beat Rewa at 2020 IDC

The second day of 2020 Inter-District Championship (IDC) was a very interesting one as there were some exciting matches including the derby between Rewa and Suva – two of the most important football teams in Fiji.

Christopher Wasasala opened the scoreboard for Suva in the 12th minute but the hero of day was his teammate Sairusu Nalaubu who netted a hat-trick to lead the Capital City Boys against their biggest rivals. Nalaubu is now one of the top scorers of the tournament alongside Ba’s youngster Darold Kakasi with three goals each.

Nalaubu (white jersey) scored a hat-trick against Rewa – *Fiji FA Media*

Rewa’s forward Bruce Hughes scored twice from the penalty spot but it was not enough as they were defeated by 4-2. The Delta Tigers are now in a difficult situation with only one point in two matches while Suva are in second with three points. You can check the current IDC standings by clicking here.

Lautoka lose first choice goalkeeper due to injury

One of the most traditional teams from Fiji, Lautoka had a good start at 2020 Inter-District Championship. Despite the 1-1 draw against Rewa, the team coached by Ravinesh Kumar performed in a decent level which brings lots of hopes to Lautoka supporters.

The bad news is that first choice goalkeeper Joela Biuvanua got injured in the 80th minute after fouling an opponent inside the box. He was replaced by Viliame Tabucala who saved the penalty kick taken by Setareki Hughes to keep Lautoka ahead. However, the Bluez did not manage to grab the three points because Gabriele Matanisiga equalized in the last minute of the game.

There is no further information about Biuvanua’s injury. Anyway he is expected to miss the clash against Nasinu in the second matchday of the tournament which means that Tabucala must be Lautoka’s starting goalkeeper today. You can check more information about 2020 Inter-District Championship by clicking here.

Gabriele Matanisiga: Rewa’s hero at IDC opening day

The opening day of 2020 Inter-District Championship was a very exciting one and the breathtaking clash between Lautoka and Rewa summarises it perfectly. Despite not having a bright season, Lautoka showed that they can be a competitive side against the Delta Tigers.

Lautoka opened the scoreboard in the 15th minute with a goal scored by Sitiveni Cavuilagi after a quick counter attack. Despite all efforts, Rewa could not find the net to equalize and then head coach Marika Rodu decided to make some changes.

The Bluez were keeping their advantage as the match was coming to its end. Cavuilagi had the chance to score his second goal but his shot sailed over the crossbar. On the other hand, Rewa’s Setareki Hughes had a huge chance to score from the penalty spot but it was saved by the keeper. Despite that, the Delta Tigers did not give in as Marika Rodu kept shouting out the instructions from the sideline. Rewa’s efforts paid off as Gabriele Matanisiga found the net to equalize in the final minute of the game. At the final whistle, the score was an 1-1 draw.

Matanisiga scored in the final minute to save Rewa from losing

The clash against Lautoka was a very difficult one to Rewa. The Delta Tigers now have to focus on today’s match against their biggest rivals Suva in order to keep fighting for a spot in the semi-finals. You can check more information about 2020 Inter-District Championship by clicking here.

Misiwani Nairube back from injury as Ba debut at 2020 IDC in Fiji

Ba and Nadi clashed at ANZ Stadium in Suva in the first matchday of 2020 Inter-District Championship – one of the most important football tournaments from Fiji. Despite all efforts, Ba did not manage to win and the final score was a 2-2 draw.

The good news for Men in Black fans is that Misiwani Nairube is finally back from injury. The 24-year-old goalkeeper came from the bench in the second half to replace Isikeli Sevanaia and to make his first official appearance since July.

Nairube got injured during Ba’s 2-1 win over Lautoka at Vodafone Premier League – the top-tier league from Fiji and since then 17-year-old Sevanaia became Ba’s starting goalkeeper. Now he is fully recovered and ready to strengthen the Men in Black’s squad.

Ba’s next match in the tournament will be today against Navua at ANZ Stadium in Suva. You can check more information about 2020 Inter-District Championship by clicking here.

Nadroga thrash Nadogo to reinforce their favouritism at Senior Division’s IDC

The first day of 2020 Inter-District Championship (IDC) is over and Nadroga fans did not have to wait for the next match to celebrate a big win as he team coached by Johnny Williams have thrashed Nadogo by 11-3 at Uprising Resort Ground in Navua.

Taniela Raubula scored four goals while team captain Tomasi Tuicakau and Jonas Naceva found the net three times each to lead Nadroga against Nadogo. Goalkeeper Sakeo Taganeca scored Nadroga’s remaining goal from the penalty spot in the 56th minute. The bad news is that 27-year-old midfielder Waisea Tale saw the red card in the second half which means that he is not going to be available for the next match against Tavua.

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Nadroga have beaten Nadogo by 11-3 at Uprising Resort Ground – *Fiji FA Media*

Three other matches were contested at Uprising Resort Ground on this rainy Tuesday: In the Group A, Tailevu Naitasiri have beaten Rakiraki by 2-0 while Seaqaqa and Dreketi did not score in a nil-nil draw. In the Group B, Bua defeated Tavua by 2-1 with goals scored by forward Kaliveti Nateru and goalkeeper Ritesh Chand. Tavua’s goal was netted by Pauliasi Natikibau.

All eight teams will be back to the pitch today for the second matchday of the tournament. You can check more information about Senior Division’s 2020 Inter-District Championship by clicking here.

Zahid’s absence to bring more problems to Men in Black at IDC

Ba did not have a great start at 2020 Inter-District Championship (IDC) as they did not manage to beat Nadi in the opening day of the tournament. Moreover, Ba’s head coach Ronil Kumar now has to deal with the absence of Abbu Zahid who is going to miss the next two matches due to suspension

Zahid was shown a direct red card for a violent conduct offense on Nadi’s defender Vuniuci Tikomaimereke in the final minute of the first half. The 29-year-old forward is one of the most experienced players in Ba’s squad and his absence will be felt by his teammates inside the pitch.

Zahid was shown a direct red card against Nadi

It is important to remember that Manasa Nawakula and Saula Waqa are not with the team in this tournament as they were suspended after failing a drug test at Battle of the Giants two months ago. Ronil Kumar now relies on a very young squad that has the mission to take Ba to IDC semi-finals.

Ba’s next match will be against Navua that are currently leading Group B after beating Labasa by 1-0. You can check more information about 2020 Inter-District Championship by clicking here.

Solomon Islanders shine at IDC opening day in Fiji

The first day of 2020 Inter-District Championship (IDC) was contested at ANZ Stadium in Suva on this Tuesday and it was a very special day for two young players from Solomon Islands: Darold Kakasi and Marlon Nonone.

Kakasi scored two goals for Ba in the 2-2 draw against Nadi while Nonone scored Nasinu’s winning goal against Suva in his first ever match at Inter-District Championship: “It is a great feeling to score my first goal at IDC and the winning goal for the team,” said Nonone to FBC News after the match.

Kakasi (left) and Nonone (right) had major roles in 2020 IDC’s opening day matches – *Fiji FA Media*

Both players will be back to the pitch today for the second matchday of the tournament. Kakasi’s Ba is going to face Navua while Nonone’s Nasinu will face Lautoka. Both matches are going to be contested at ANZ Stadium in Suva. You can check more information about 2020 IDC by clicking here.

Nasinu and Navua upset their rivals as 2020 IDC kicks-off in Fiji

The 2020 Inter-District Championship’s opening day brought lots of excitement to Fijian football. All four matches in Premier Division Championship were tough and the final scores prove it. While Ba, Lautoka, Nadi and Rewa collected one point each, Nasinu and Navua spiced up the first day of the tournament by surprising their opponents.

Nasinu faced hosts Suva in the first game of the day to throw cold water in local fans as Solomon Islands’ forward Marlon Nonone opened the scoreboard for Nasinu in the first half. Suva worked hard in order to equalize but it was not enough and they lost by 1-0.

Nasinu players celebrating the goal scored by Nonone – *Fiji FA Media*

Currently living a bad moment in the season, Labasa fans were excited about the possibility of winning the Inter-District Championship for the second straight year. However the Babasiga Lions were surprised by Navua that grabbed three points by beating their opponents by 1-0 with a goal scored by veteran Apisai Smith – “We were too lazy […] We really need to step up on our finishing,” said Labasa’s head coach Ronil Lal to FBC News after the match.

Nasinu and Navua are currently leading their groups in the tournament with three points each. You can check more information about 2020 IDC by clicking here.

IDC: Labasa’s chance for redemption in 2020

After a successful 2019 season, Labasa is not performing in a high level this year. Despite having beaten Rewa by 2-1 in their last official match, the Babasiga Lions have just thirteen points in eleven matches at Vodafone Premier League – the top-tier footbal league from Fiji.

The team coached by Ronil Lal has now a chance for redemption at Inter-District Championship that kicks-off today at ANZ Stadium in Suva. The Babasiga Lions are the current title holders and Labasa supporters are expecting something good from the team.

Labasa players celebrating 2019 IDC title – *Fiji FA Media*

The victory against Rewa was a major boost in the team’s morale and the possibility of winning a back-to-back title is another motivation for the squad. Key players like Akuila Mateisuva, Atonio Tuivuna and Siotame Kubu have to step up to lead Labasa to glory – and they are able to do it.

Labasa will debut in the tournament today at 14:30 (local time) against Navua. You can check 2020 Inter-District Championship’s schedule by clicking here.

Rusiate Matarerega to lead Nadi at Inter-District Championship

Nadi is not a very lucky team in Inter-District Championship (IDC). The Green Machine has reached the final of the tournament 24 times, but has only won six times. Now the team coached by Kamal Swamy is ready for another IDC and there is an important player that needs keep his good level to guide the team into the finals: Rusiate Matarerega.

Matarerega is the current top scorer of 2020 Vodafone Premier League – the top-tier league from Fiji – with seven goals in ten matches. The 27-year-old forward stepped up in the recent games as he scored four goals in the last four matches to lead his side in the league.

Matarerega is living a good moment in the season

Head coach Kamal Swamy has to deal a huge problem in this tournament as veteran midfielder Avinesh Suwamy is injured which means that Matarerega’s role will be even bigger at IDC. It is important to point that there are many young players in Nadi’s squad that are going to play this tournament for the first time ever like Abhishek Prasad, Eshan Kumar, Ratu Mosese Nauci and Tevita Ravia who have recently attended Fiji U-19 Training Camp.

Matarerega and his teammates will debut in the tournament today against Ba at ANZ Stadium in Suva. You can check 2020 Inter-District Championship schedule by clicking here.