Etonia Dogolau’s impressive performance, scoring two goals, propelled Ba FC to a surprising 2-1 victory over champions Suva in their final Group match of the Extra Supermarket Futsal Inter-District Championship at the Vodafone Arena. This win secured Ba a place in the semifinals of the tournament.
Despite Suva’s expectations of a third consecutive victory, following their wins against Nasinu and Savusavu, Ba proved their resilience right from the start. Just two minutes into the game, Dogolau gave Ba an early lead, catching the Suva defense off guard.
His second goal was a standout moment, occurring just before halftime. Ba’s captain, Ravinesh Anand Singh, executed a well-placed clearance which Dogolau converted into a stunning header, placing the ball beyond Suva’s last defender, Kitione Baleloa.
In the second half, Suva mounted a spirited response, orchestrated by the aggressive Nikil Chand. Their efforts paid off when Justin Kumar scored late in the game, narrowing Ba’s lead to just one goal.
During the final minutes, Suva intensified their attacks, pressing forward with all five players. However, they found themselves continually thwarted by Ba’s solid defense, particularly from Manasa Nawakula and Penisoni Tirau. Ba’s goalkeeper, Ravinesh Singh, also made critical saves to maintain their lead.
Ultimately, Ba finished as Group B runners-up, while Suva took the top spot. This match showcased Ba’s tenacity and skill, emphasizing their potential for the future.
Overall, the victory is not just a testament to Ba’s determination but also highlights the competitive spirit of the tournament. Fans can look forward to more exciting matches as the championship progresses, with Ba demonstrating that they have what it takes to challenge even the reigning champions.
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