Sanni shines as Suva sends Navua packing

Suva’s Nigerian striker, Sanni Issa was a thorn in the Navua defence scoring two first half goals to see the Gurjit Singh-coached side beat Navua 4-0 to keep their semifinal hopes alive.

Issa broke the dead lock in the 26th minute from the penalty spot after Navua defender Seveci Rokotakala handled the ball in the box. Issa went on to score his second goal in the 34th minute when he headed in a Joseph Mishra cross.

After a pep-talk from Whites coach at the half-time break, Suva came back into the second half revamped with Leone Damudamu scoring their third goal in the in the 68th minute before replacement Samuela Drudru finished off with the winner in the 78rd minute in Navua’s  coffin.

Singh applauded his brigade for the win.

“Goals was what was very important in the game against Navua after our loss to Nadi and all of my players played well to ensure this,” Singh said.

The win comes at a cost for the Whites with midfielder Nathan Shivam in doubt for tomorrow’s match against Lautoka because of a persistent leg injury that he had to be replaced during the game.

“I was forced to replace Nathan in the game as he has not fully recovered from his injuries but I’m optimistic he will be fit before the Lautoka game.

“We will witness the Nadi versus Lautoka game tonight as this will help me prepare my gameplan.”

Losing president, Navua’s Gopal Naidu rued poor fitness in the loss.

“We did not train well this week and it showed allowing Suva to score those goals.”
   
Navua will play Nadi tomorrow at 3pm their final pool game.

Squad
Suva- Emori Ragata, Inosi Cava, Sameula Vula, Simione Mailaki, Waisake Navunigasau ( Eric Nigel Chand), Nathan Shivam( Sameula Drudru) , Issa Sanni, Sedric Dutt, Joseph Mishra, Sameula Kautoga ( Abdul Mosheem), Leone Damudamu.

Navua - Sheik Moshin, Esala Ali ( Vineet Chand), Seveci Rokotakala, Jesoni Takala, James Charittar ( Inoke O Comor) , Monit Chand, Lemeki Rosalato, Rajneel Chand, Praneel Kumar, Inia Boko, Joseph Elder

FijiLive