Etonia Dogalau’s impressive double performance helped Ba secure a spot in the semi-finals of the Extra Supermarket Futsal Inter-District Championship by defeating defending champions Suva 2-1 in their final group stage match at the Vodafone Arena.
Suva, having previously triumphed over Nasinu and Savusavu, was anticipated to emerge victorious once again. However, Ba had different plans and marked their territory early in the game. Just two minutes in, Dogalau took advantage of a lapse in Suva’s defense to net the first goal. He followed this with a remarkable header just before halftime, skillfully connecting with a floated clearance from Ba’s goalkeeper and captain, Ravinesh Anand Singh.
In the second half, Suva rallied back, mounting several offensive plays led by Nikil Chand. Their persistence paid off when Justin Kumar scored with less than ten minutes remaining, narrowing the lead to just one goal. Despite Suva’s late-game pressure, they could not penetrate Ba’s solid defense, particularly the efforts of Manasa Nawakula and Penisoni Tirau. Even as Suva pushed forward with all five players in attack, they were thwarted by Singh’s goalkeeping.
As a result, Ba finished as runners-up in Group B, while the White team topped the group. This match showcased the intense competition and skill levels present in this year’s championship, and sets the stage for an exciting semi-final round, where Ba will look to build on this momentum.
The thrilling display of talent and determination from Ba highlights the unpredictable nature of sports and serves as a reminder of the excitement that lies ahead in the tournament.
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