Osea Vakatalesau’s remarkable goal in the sixth minute propelled Ba FC to victory over Lautoka in the final of the Inkk Mobile Battle of the Giants, securing their 14th title in this prestigious tournament. The match, held at Churchill Park on a hot afternoon, saw Vakatalesau showcasing his skills by expertly converting a throw-in from 20 meters out. His strike expertly eluded three defenders and caught Lautoka’s goalkeeper, Ali Akbal, off guard, emphasizing Ba’s control over the game once they took the lead.
Despite a determined effort from Lautoka, whose coach Dennis Singh acknowledged their failure to capitalize on several scoring opportunities, Ba demonstrated their prowess by maintaining control of the match after scoring. The victory marks Ba’s continued dominance in Fijian soccer, as they now match their previous streak of four consecutive wins from 1998 to 2001.
Following the match, Ba returned home with $11,000 in prize money, while Lautoka received $4,000 as consolation. The celebration marked not just an end to the tournament but a reaffirmation of Ba’s status as a crown jewel in Fijian sports.
This win builds on Ba’s previous performances, including their strong showing in the Extra Supermarket Futsal Inter-District Championship, indicating a robust competitive spirit and readiness for future challenges. As Ba looks ahead, this victory reinforces their legacy and sets a hopeful tone for the upcoming season, reminding fans of the thrilling possibilities in Fijian football.
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