By ANUSHIL KUMAR
2014 Inkk Mobile Battle of the Giants defending champion 4R Electrical Ba started their tournament campaign on a winning note as they defeated Shop N Save Nadi 1-0 in the last pool match on day one at Govind Park in Ba tonigh, August 22.
As expected, the match started on a high note as both teams started early attacks from the first whistle looking for the much needed goals to secure maximum points.
Sensational strikers Samuela Drudru, Napolione Qasevakatini and midfielder Shafim Buksh and Amani Makoe controlled play for Nadi while Abbu Zahid, Mavileko Nakama and Avinesh Waran Swamy was setting up things for the Men in black.
Wonderful display by goalkeepers Epeli Codro and Beniaminio Mateinaqara under the sticks forced the teams to go into the breather with scoreline locked at nil-all.
Utility defender Laisenia Naioko was the hero for the hosts as he made a quick run into the Nadi box and came in with a shot that gave goalie Beniaminio no chance at all.
The Jetsetters, with inclusion of Rusiate Matarereqa and Jolame Vukivuki in the second half, forced every way possible to get the equalizer but the stubborn Ba defense kept their ways clear to hand the defending champions their first victory and an impressive start of the tournament.
After the conclusion of day one, Suva leads pool A with three points, just ahead of second placed Lautoka with three point who fell short in goal average while Navua and Nadroga, who lost their games, is on third and fourth place respectively. Ba tops pool B with Rewa as both teams have three points each while Nadi and Labasa have no points at all.