Ba started its Digicel Fiji Premier League campaign on a high note today, beating a new-look Suva outfit 5-2 at the Fiji FA Academy Ground in Namosau.
The Men in Black looked more composed and determined to win while the Whites playing under new coach Nigel Khan and a relatively new mix of players looked unsettled and often rushed play with new goalkeeper Hasmukh Patel facing a baptism of fire between the sticks.
A brace of goals from lanky Etonia Dogalau and a one from Mohammed Raheem saw the hosts head to the break with a 3-1 lead.
Merrill Nand scored Suva’s lone goal of the first spell.
Ba dominated play in the second half as well and netted two more goals through Penisoni Tirau and Darold Kakasi while hardworking Nand managed to pull one back for the visitors.
Starting teams:
Rooster Chicken Ba– Misiwani Nairube (C), Darold Kakasi, Mitieli Naiviro, Kalaveti Sivoi, Rahul Naresh, Penisoni Tirau, Peceli Sukabula, Suliano Tawanakoro, Etonia Dogalau, Mohammed Raheem, Samuela Navoce.
Flick Suva– Hasmukh Patel, Remueru Tekiate, Shivam Shandil, Waisake Navunigasau, Joeli Ranitu, Merrill Nand, Ramzan Khan, Ravnesh Karan Singh, Ajesh Chand, Panapasa Tawakece, Faizal Ali.
