NADI Sangam has claimed the title at the Sangam World Cup, triumphing over the 2014 champions Lautoka Sangam with a nail-biting score of 3-2 in the final at Churchill Park on Sunday. The match featured a standout performance from Nadi’s Samuela Gavo Prakash, who earned the player of the match accolade with an impressive hat-trick.
Nadi’s road to the final included a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Suva in the semifinals, while Lautoka secured their spot by narrowly defeating NZ Middlemore 1-0. Fans were treated to a captivating match that started slowly, with neither team able to score in the first half, which ended in a 0-0 tie.
However, the second half ignited with action. Lautoka took an early lead, but Nadi quickly equalized, before Lautoka regained the lead. The game turned when Gavo scored the crucial goal that sealed the victory for Nadi, showcasing the team’s resilience and determination.
This final also held personal significance as it was a family affair; brothers Immanuel Moses Prakash and Samuela Gavo Prakash played for Nadi, while Simon Junior Prakash took to the field for Lautoka. The Prakash brothers, who hail from Waiyavi, Lautoka, have deep football roots, as their fathers were former players for the esteemed Waiyavi Brothers Club, which has made significant contributions to the local football scene.
The success of Nadi and commendable performance by both teams highlight the rich football culture in the region and the enduring connections among players and their families across generations. With this victory, Nadi’s return to the sport’s spotlight heralds an exciting season ahead, providing an opportunity to build on this victory and further enrich their legacy in local football.