The All in one Builders Ba FC has been crowned the champions of 2022 All in One Cakes & Restaurant Pacific Community Cup after beating RC Manubhai / Esy Kool Nadi FC 1-0 in the grand finale at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on Sunday.
Youngster Nabil Begg scored the first-half screamer to give the Ba side its first Pacific Cup win.
The Men-in-Black defeated Suva 1-0 in the first semi-final while Nadi won 2-1 against defending champions Lautoka in the second semi-final.
Both teams met in the Group stages in which Nadi won 2-1 and coming into the final the Men-in-Black entered the field with a cautious approach.
It was in the 17th minute Begg netted the lone goal after a neat setup by midfielder Entonio Dogalau which came on the foot of the youngster who slammed the ball past the diving Nadi goalkeeper.
Nadi missed two good chances in the opening ten minutes of the match as Siotame Kubu and Fordney Jnr Paomae were set up well but could not connect with their final touches.
The Kamal Swamy coached Nadi toiled hard to get back in the match but daring saves by goalie Tevita Koroi and good defence of Augustine Contratti and Malakai Rere kept their goalmouth protected.
There was high tension and drama in the second half as Ba smartly defended and used long balls to keep the attack while Nadi used all tactics to get into the opponent’s half and launch attacks.
The hosts had to end the match with only nine players after strikers Siotame Kubu and Eneriko Matau were flashed direct red cards for violent conduct.
Ba coach Ronil Kumar praised his players for their gallant performance.
“Hats off to my players for playing their hearts out,”
“We came here with a mission and I am proud that we have won the title for the first time,” said former national midfielder
“The boys really executed the game plan after we lost to Nadi in the group stage.”
Ba had the services of three Argentinians on their side while Nadi had one import.
Teenage sensation Begg scooped the Golden Ball and Golden Boot Award after scoring five goals in the four-day tourney.
Ba goalie Tevita Koroi won the Golden Boot while Nadi youngster Nikesh Singh was given the Find of the Tournament award.
Ba walks away $10,000 richer while Nadi received $4000.
