DAYALS Sawmillers Ba FC paid an emotional tribute to the late Tuimasi Manuca with a 2-0 victory over Navua in round five of the Extra Premier League at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday. A minute’s silence before kick-off set the tone for the encounter as both teams honoured the former national and Ba midfielder.
The first half was cagey, with chances at a premium as the teams went into the break level. Ba emerged after halftime with greater urgency and broke the deadlock in the 56th minute when Ilisoni Logaivou found the net. Teammates marked the moment with a sideline celebration, forming a ‘T’ sign in tribute to Manuca and prompting loud applause from the crowd clad largely in black.
Navua pressed for an equaliser and created several threats but could not convert. Ba were dealt a setback with under 15 minutes remaining when Saidu Mohammed was shown a red card, reducing the hosts to 10 men and forcing them to defend deeper than planned. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Ba regrouped and held firm at the back.
Deep into stoppage time, Sairusi Nalaubu sealed the result with a late strike in the 94th minute, guaranteeing a morale-boosting 2-0 win. The victory was warmly received by supporters and club dignitaries, including Tui Ba, Nai Taukei Nawaiviluri Ratu Sowani Cava, who reportedly motivated the squad before kick-off and watched from the stands.
Ba coach Shalen Lal dedicated the win to Manuca. “This win is for Tuimasi Manuca. The second goal reminded us of him, that’s how he used to play,” Lal said, adding that halftime instructions emphasised urgency and helped the team lift their tempo in the second half.
Elsewhere in round five, Labasa and Suva played out a 0-0 draw, Rewa and Nadroga also finished goalless, and Nadi recorded a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Tailevu Naitasiri. The results add fresh momentum to the league as teams jockey for position early in the Extra Premier League campaign.
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