Despite losing their first match, the Shop N Save Nadi team bounced back to win their second pool match on Sunday.
The Jetsetters defeated Labasa 2-1 in another nail-biting match in the Inkk Mobile Battle of Giants tournament at Govind Park in Ba.
Both sides were hungry for a win after losing their first matches.
And despite numerous attempts from both sides, the teams remained scoreless at halftime.
The Babasiga Lions drew first blood in the 28th minute through Netani Doli which was misjudged by Nadi goalkeeper Benaminio Mateinaqara. Labasa kept the pressure on Nadi with Joseph Mishra and Sandeep Nair trying their level best to hit the scoreboard.
And it resulted in Rusiate Matarerega driving home a well placed free kick in the 75th minute.
In the 80th minute Nadi’s Krishna Sami scored from a free kick.
Star Turn: Nadi’s Matarerega boosted the morale of the side from his free kick after he equalised the match.
Big Play: This came from Sami for scoring the winning goal for the Jetsetters. Both Nadi’s goals came from long range free kicks.
Comments: Nadi team director Javed Ahmed: “The side started well but conceded a silly goal.
“Players were told the importance of playing for 90 minutes and never lose hope.
He said the side saw a need to field players from the bench and was a worthwhile move.
“We missed on our chances to score against Ba on Friday and also against Labasa. That is what we have to work on for our next match.
Labasa coach: Bal Reddy: “Players lacked concentration after the first goal thinking they have won the match. The goalkeeper could not judge the free kicks and that cost us the game.
Reddy added that Nadi came out firing in the second half.
– Fiji Sun
