Ba FC delivered a statement performance on home soil, blasting Labasa 5-0 at 4R Stadium, Govind Park, in front of about 3,500 fans. The assessment night belonged to France Catarogo, who struck a first-half hat-trick inside the opening 20 minutes with goals in the 8th and 10th minutes and from a penalty soon after. The quick-fire burst set the tone for a dominant Ba display.
Labasa were dealt a major blow in the 30th minute when goalkeeper Jitoko Vulaca was sent off, leaving the visitors with ten men. Ba pressed home their advantage as the match wore on, with substitute Etonia Dogalau adding a brace—first in the 75th minute and then deep into stoppage time at 90+8—to cap a famous victory.
Ba now turn their attention to a high-profile clash with Lautoka in the next national league fixture, as they seek to sustain momentum from this resounding win. In the day’s other results, Rewa routed Nadi 7-1, while Nasinu and Suva played to a goalless draw and Nadroga and Tavua finished level at 1-1.
Context and outlook:
– This result adds to Ba’s recent strong form against Lautoka, including a 3-0 triumph over their rivals in a prior league fixture, underscoring the team’s rising confidence and attacking prowess.
– Ba’s revival under coach Ronil Kumar has drawn attention in the wider club setup, with officials highlighting readiness for upcoming tournaments such as the Fiji FACT, BOG, and IDC as part of a broader competitive surge.
Commentary:
– Catarogo’s early goals displayed clinical finishing and set-piece awareness, giving Ba a platform to control the match from the outset.
– The red card dramatically shifted Labasa’s efforts, allowing Ba to exploit space and rotate their attack, evident in Dogalau’s late double.
– The victory reinforces Ba’s potential to challenge for top-tier positions this season and provides a strong platform heading into a challenging run of fixtures.
Summary:
Ba FC produced a dominant home performance, routing Labasa 5-0 with Catarogo’s hat-trick lighting the fuse, a red card for Labasa, and late goals from Etonia Dogalau. The result strengthens Ba’s position and sets up a pivotal clash with Lautoka, while the day’s other results keep the league race wide open.
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