The Moshins Insulation Nadroga football side came from behind to hold much fancied Suva side 1-1 draw in their Digicel Premier League fixture at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka on Sunday.
Both teams started the match well under the wet condition with Nadroga putting more pressure on the Suva defense with striker Osea Vakatalesau guiding the stallions attack.
Suva received a free kick in the 39th minute of play just outside the penalty box which was taken by Ramzan Khan and headed at the back of the net by defender Waisake Navunigsau past goalkeeper Isikeli Sevainaia.
Nadroga came fired up in the second half and meant business playing in front of thousands of vocal fans.
It was in the 62nd minute when Amani Makoe sent Nadroga fans in a frenzy after connecting well with former Suva and Nigerian import Jibola Afonja’s free kick from the left flank.
Nadroga coach Ramesh Sharma said the tactical changes paved the way for the team.
“After our draw against Nadi in the first match we made some positional changes in the lineup against Suva and it worked, “said Sharma
Sharma said the boys are getting the combination now.
“The boys are improving in every match and our focus is against Ba in our next match,” said Sharma
“We have not played Ba for past five years but we know they have quality and experience players but we will work out our game plan to counter them,” said Sharma.
Suva coach Babs Khan said they started well but lost concentration.
“We have to go back to the drawing board and work out on mistakes. Nadroga have taught us a lot today (Sunday) and we need to get harder at training to defend our title,” said Khan
Khan said their next match is against Navua and will not underestimate them.
“We playing this weekend and we know Navua is also hungry for a win and they will come out firing against us and will give us a tough challenge so we really need to work hard this weekend.”
The Unique Rubber Stamp Suva side will host Navua at 3pm this Sunday at ANZ Stadium in Suva.
