Lautoka bounced back in the second half to overcome a strong Nadroga challenge 2-0 and book its first win in the Battle Of the Giants tournament.

Veteran striker Shalesh Sami (Bula) broke the deadlock in the 20th minute of the second spell and set up replacement Simeli Naresia for the second goal in the dying moments to give the Sugar City boys a hard fought victory on home soil.

The new look Nadroga outfit held the star studded Lautoka side goal-less at halftime.

The Coral Coast boys shocked the Lautoka side with their confidence and enthusiasm in the match.

Former Tavua goalkeeper Jone Ralulu played an outstanding game in the first spell in goal for Nadroga having made two excellent saves on a one on one situation.

Lautoka officials made the timely changes in the second half with the replacements of Sharof Ali, Niumaia Tagi and Simeli Naresia featuring impressively.

Lautoka features in the opening match of the tournament proper on Thursday at National Stadium against Nasinu in its second pool match.

Vodafone Labasa leads Pool 1 after the pre-tournament round with a better goal difference over Lautoka.

The teams:

Lautoka - Laisenia Tuba, Malakai Waqa, Solomoni Niulevu (Niumaia Tagi), Muele Vuti (Sharof Ali), Marika Madigi Shalesh Sami, Semesa Nakosia, Ilaitia Tuilau, Leone Vurukania, Valerio Nawatu (Simeli Naresia), Jone Vono

Nadroga- Jone Ralulu, Pauliasi Gavidi, Ranjit Singh, Francis Bali, Garfil Costa (Abdul Fizaaz), Archie Watkins, Arvin Singh, Vimal Naidu (Krishneel Dutt), John Rounds, Monish Nabi (Kevu Levuiwasawasa), Sanjeshwar Singh.

Man of the match: Jone Ralulu (Nadroga)
Goals: Sami (20, 2nd spell), Naresia (46th, 2nd spell)
Referee: Ravitesh Behari
Crowd: 2000+
Ground: Dry
Bookings: Krishneel Dutt (Yellow)

Fijilive

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