Western United FC have ended their Oceania Club Champions League campaign with no points after they were defeated by Fiji’s Suva FA 3-1 in their final group match on Saturday.
United went down for the third time in a row fighting for at least a win, but all they managed to get was one goal, thanks to Joses Nawo’s second half goal.
The goal gave some hope for a comeback for United to level the score when they were still trailing by 2-1 but eventually that was not possible as Suva extended the lead following a handful of wasted chances by United.
A win for Western United could not give them a miracle for the second stage but rather to regain some pride following their two opening match defeats to Amicale FC of Vanuatu and Auckland City FC of New Zealand.
Their hope of advancing further into the second stage of the competition was gone after losing their second pool game to New Zealand’s Auckland City on Tuesday.
It was an equally tough encounter between United and Suva, which started off with United’s imports John Agbo and Rashid Kamara having an early taste for goal but were unfortunate to find the back of Suva’s net.
Totori also made some fine runs and through ball passes and at some point having good shots at goal but that all could not change the outcome.
Coach Riccardo De Viva made some changes but could not catch up with Suva’s pace.
Suva opened their goal with a penalty following a foul by Freddy Kini, then followed by the second from a clumsy play by Loni Qaraba at the backline, which gave way for Suva to extend it to two for the first half.
The third goal came later in the second half from captain Pita Rabo.
United’s defeat is very disappointing to many fans and soccer supporters both in Fiji and back home.
The side are expected home early this week.
By CARLOS ARUAFU
