In front of a loyal home crowd at Lawaqa Park, the Skippy U-20s took an early lead when Labasa lad Ilisoni Logaivau nodded home off a free kick after 16 minutes.
Nadroga equalised 14 minutes later through skipper Archie Watkins then came out strong in the second half to go 2-1 up through John Rounds on 54 minutes. But the U-20s were quick to hit back with substitute Draunibaka grabbing the equaliser one minute later.
Nadroga then went down a player when Samuela Drudru was sent off in the 73rd minute following his second caution.
Following the match, U-20 head coach Zulfikar Khan applauded his players. He believes they are on track for the OFC U-20 Championship New Zealand 2011 which will determine OFC’s representative for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The 2-2 draw follows on from their 5-0 drubbing of Tavua last weekend.
“It is good that we are drawing and winning matches not losing. After the heavy loss against Lautoka the boys have stepped up. I’m very pleased with their performance against Nadroga.
“We had a lot of opportunities to score but sometimes the boys took the wrong option. I’m glad they enjoyed the match. Next move is for us to organise our defence as at times the players are under lot of pressure,” Khan said.
Nadroga Football President Dr. Dhirendra Lal says ill disicipline may have caused them three crucial points.
“Drudru was sent off and that may have affected us. We have to lift up our performance and start winning matches to be in a better position in the National Football League. The U-20 was a very good side,” Lal said.
Story and photo courtesy Fiji FA Media
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