Upset

Local Sports

Basking the victory over Rewa,Nadi Soccer Association president Afroz Khan. Photo credit S1.

Rewa was handed an unexpected 1-0 loss to Nadi in their opening pool game of the 2012 FSLGV Knockout Tournament at Newton Athletic Park.

The Ronald Chaudhary coached side failed to live up its billings as the leagues most feared side after the loss.

The “Green Machine” Nadi played with a bag lot of energy and capitalised on a goalkeeping error in the second half.

Nadi utility Brent Branka wired in a curler free kick from 25 metres out that Rewa keeper Afroz Ali failed smother it.

The ball bounced off his hands and following up the play was midfielder, Aswat Ali, who cleverly tucked it in from a powerful header.

Nadi coach Raj Lal was on cloud nine said it was through a team effort they downed the top team who are on a 5 league game winning stretch.

“We played as team and we took the game to Rewa .The end result tells a story. They (Rewa) pushed up on a number of occasions but our defence held on their own, they deserve a pat on the back”, said an elated Lal.

Rewa coach Ronald Chaudhary didn’t mince a word admitting his side failed miserably to finish their many chances.

“We missed opportunities and that came to haunt us. We didn’t finish our chances”.

He said his strikers need to find the knack for hitting on target.

“You have to score to make lead ways in the game.

“We will come out strong in the next game against Lautoka “, said Chaudhary.

Both Rewa and Nadi won their second pool match 4-0 over Lautoka.