Ba 1-1 Nadi FC | Fijian National League | 5 July 2026

Ba and Nadi FC played out a fiercely contested 1-1 draw at Govind Park on Sunday morning, a result that kept both sides in the mid-table mix of the Fijian National League. The match was defined by tight midfield battles, a moment of individual brilliance from Nadi, and a resilient second-half fightback from the home team.

Match Overview

The first half was a cagey affair, with both teams wary of conceding early. Ba, playing in front of their passionate home supporters, enjoyed the majority of possession but struggled to break through Nadi’s compact defensive block. Nadi, organised and patient, looked dangerous on the counter and took the lead just after the half-hour mark.

A long ball over the top caught the Ba defence napping, allowing Nadi’s pacey winger Epeli Rabo to race clear and slot past Ba goalkeeper Meli Codro with a composed finish. The goal silenced the home crowd and gave Nadi a platform to sit deeper. Ba responded with increased urgency but lacked precision in the final third, going into the interval trailing 1-0.

Key Moments

• 33’ – GOAL Nadi FC: Epeli Rabo latches onto a diagonal ball and finishes one-on-one – 0-1.
• 55’ – GOAL Ba: Midfielder Avinesh Suwamy fires a low drive from 20 yards after a cleared corner – 1-1.
• 72’ – Near miss: Ba’s Josaia Ratu hits the crossbar with a powerful header.
• 88’ – Red Card: Ba’s left-back Taniela Waqa receives a second yellow for a late tackle.
• 90+4’ – Final chance: Nadi’s lone striker Savenaca Nakalevu shoots wide from a promising position.

Standout Performers

Avinesh Suwamy was the hero for Ba. His equaliser was a moment of quality that revived the team, and his work rate in midfield helped Ba regain control after the break. For Nadi, Epeli Rabo was a constant threat on the counter, and his goal showcased his sharp finishing instincts.

Goalkeeper Meli Codro (Ba) made two important saves, particularly a reflex stop in the 65th minute that kept his side level. Nadi’s defensive pair Pita Bolatagane and Jone Tuiloma were largely solid but were left exposed when Suwamy struck from distance. The late red card to Ba’s Taniela Waqa set up a nervy finish, but Nadi could not capitalise on the man advantage.

Table Impact

The draw leaves both teams in the middle of the Fijian National League table – Ba sit sixth, Nadi seventh, separated only by goal difference. For Ba, the result extends their unbeaten run at home to three matches, but they will rue missed chances to take all three points. Nadi, meanwhile, will be pleased with a point on the road against a traditionally strong side, though their ongoing lack of goals from open play remains a concern. The tight standings mean that a single win could propel either team into the top four, making every point vital as the season approaches its halfway point.