Etonia Dogalau scored twice to propel Ba into the final four after a thrilling 2-1 victory over reigning champions Suva in their concluding match of the Extra Supermarket Futsal Inter-District Championship held at the Vodafone Arena today.
Ba seized an early advantage just two minutes into the match, with Dogalau taking advantage of a momentary lapse in the Suva defense. As the game progressed towards half-time, Dogalau delivered what could be described as the goal of the tournament. Receiving a long clearance from Ba’s goalkeeper and captain, Ravinesh Anand Singh, he expertly converted a header, slipping the ball past Suva’s last defender, Kitione Baleloa.
Despite their earlier wins against Nasinu and Savusavu, Suva was unable to maintain their momentum. They began a spirited comeback in the second half, led by the valiant Nikil Chand. They managed to reduce the deficit with a goal from Justin Kumar with less than ten minutes left on the clock, bringing the score to 2-1.
In a frantic final stretch, Suva ramped up their offensive efforts, pressing hard for an equalizer. However, Ba’s solid defense, anchored by Manasa Nawakula and Penisoni Tirau, proved impenetrable. Even as Suva sent all their players forward in a last-ditch effort, Ba goalkeeper Singh stood firm, denying them any further scoring chances.
As a result, Ba finished as runners-up in Group B, while Suva held the top spot. This match exemplified the unpredictability and excitement of the tournament, showcasing the relentless spirit of teams who refuse to back down.
Looking forward, Ba’s impressive performance not only secures their spot in the final four but also signals a strong potential for future success in the championship. Fans can look forward to more thrilling futsal action as the tournament progresses.
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