Copyright dailypost
Naka bounced back with a strong performance to defeat Ifira Black Bird FC 2-0 in their last Saturday’s Port Vila Football Association’s (PVFA) Vodafone Super League, after suffering a 7-1 loss against iCount Yatel. The boys from Tanna take their coaching team’s message to heart, coming out strong with two early points. That lead held up until the final whistle. Boby Nanipen scored the first goal just 12 minutes into the match, and two minutes later, striker Jacky Numake added their second. Robert Yalu’s task became difficult when defender Samuel Kaloros was sent off the field for using abusive language, leaving his side a man down. Yalu brought on substitute Sylver Tenene, swapping him for JJesse Kalopong at 18 minutes and later brought on two more substitutions. Tom Umas also made substitutions, replacing goal scorer Numake, who was forced off due to injury, with Daniel Timothy. He later made three more changes. Naka managed to hold on their lead at halftime and through to the end of the second half. They continued to attack in the second half but the 10-man Ifira Black Bird defense kept them from adding another goal. Both teams were awarded some free kicks and corners, but none were converted. President of Naka FC, Andrew Napuat, is happy that the players have executed their game plan perfectly. He said the team was told that a loss against Ifira Black Bird would end their chances of progressing, which is why they went into the game with a strong mentality to win. He attributed their loss to iCount Yatel to poor attendance at training, but said that the team have worked hard to address this issue along with other weaknesses. “We (the team) refused to settle for a draw or loss,” he said. “We came with a strong fighting spirit to win, and we achieved that. For us, we’ve played a final match today (last Saturday). Napuat said the team look forward to their next game against Galaxy FC on Friday at the Port Vila Stadium. Ifira Black Bird will face North Efate United the next day, while iCount Yatel will play Mauriki FC.
