Suva, Fiji – Ba came from behind to defeat Suva FC 2-1 in an international club friendly at the HFC Bank Stadium on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The visitors trailed at the break after Savenaca Baledrokadroka’s composed finish, but second-half goals from Darold Kakasi and Samuela Nabenia turned the contest around and gave Ba a deserved win in a match that was far more competitive than a typical preseason friendly.

Match Overview

Played in bright morning conditions, the friendly brought together two of Fijian football’s most recognizable clubs and drew a lively crowd to Suva. Although no league points were at stake, both sides treated the fixture as an important benchmark, using it to test combinations, sharpen match fitness and give younger players valuable minutes against quality opposition.

Suva FC started the brighter of the two teams, pressing high and forcing Ba into several early turnovers. The home side’s reward arrived in the 23rd minute when Baledrokadroka latched onto a clever through ball, steadied himself inside the penalty area and placed a low shot beyond the advancing goalkeeper. It was a goal that reflected Suva’s early control and their intent to play quickly through the lines.

Ba responded with patience rather than panic. The visitors gradually worked their way into the game by controlling possession in midfield and stretching Suva’s defensive shape with wide runs. Their equalizer arrived four minutes before halftime, when Kakasi reacted fastest to a loose ball in the box and fired home from close range. That goal changed the mood of the match and gave Ba a platform to build on after the interval.

Key Moments

• 23’ – Suva FC take the lead: Baledrokadroka finished calmly after a sharp passing move cut through the Ba defence.
• 41’ – Ba equalize: Kakasi pounced on a half-cleared ball and drove it past the Suva goalkeeper to make it 1-1.
• 55’ – Suva go close: A curling effort from the edge of the box clipped the outside of the post as Suva searched to restore their advantage.
• 78’ – Ba score the winner: Nabenia converted from close range after a fast counterattack down the right, completing the turnaround.
• 90+2’ – Late Suva pressure: Suva pushed bodies forward and won a series of corners, but Ba’s defence held firm to protect the 2-1 lead.

Tactical Story

Suva FC lined up with an energetic 4-3-3 shape, looking to press Ba’s build-up and win the ball high up the pitch. For the first half-hour it worked well. Suva’s midfielders rotated intelligently, the full-backs pushed high and Baledrokadroka’s movement caused problems between Ba’s centre-backs.

Ba adjusted after the half-hour mark. Their midfield duo began dropping deeper to receive the ball, allowing the wide players to attack the space behind Suva’s advanced full-backs. The equalizer came from exactly that kind of pressure, and after halftime Ba looked the more composed side. They slowed the tempo when needed, drew Suva forward and then attacked quickly through the channels.

Suva’s substitutions injected fresh legs, but the changes also disrupted their rhythm. Ba’s bench had a more direct impact: Nabenia’s arrival gave them a sharper focal point in the box, and his winning goal was the product of a well-executed counterattack. In the closing stages, Suva dominated territory without creating a clear equalizer, as Ba defended their box with discipline.

Standout Players

Darold Kakasi (Ba): The forward was Ba’s most persistent threat, equalizing before halftime and constantly pulling Suva’s defenders out of position. His movement and hold-up play were central to Ba’s comeback.

Samuela Nabenia (Ba): Introduced in the second half, Nabenia provided the decisive moment. His sharp run and calm finish underlined why he remains such a valuable option in the final third.

Savenaca Baledrokadroka (Suva FC): Suva’s opener was a well-taken goal, and he remained their most dangerous attacker throughout the first hour. His link-up play with the midfield was one of the highlights of Suva’s performance.

Ba goalkeeper: Although he was beaten early, the Ba shot-stopper produced two important saves in the second half, including a strong stop from a close-range header that kept the score at 2-1.

What the Result Means

As an international club friendly, the match does not affect league standings or official rankings. However, the result carries real value for both clubs. For Ba, the 2-1 win is a confidence boost and evidence that their counterattacking game plan can work against strong opposition. For Suva FC, the defeat highlights the need to manage games better after taking the lead, particularly when the tem