Etonia Dogalau’s impressive performance, scoring twice, propelled Ba to a dramatic 2-1 victory over the reigning champions Suva in their final group match of the Extra Supermarket Futsal Inter-District Championship at the Vodafone Arena today. This crucial win secured Ba a spot in the final four, much to the excitement of their supporters.
Despite expectations that Suva would secure their third consecutive win after earlier victories against Nasinu and Savusavu, Ba’s resilience proved to be a decisive factor. Dogalau opened the scoring just two minutes into the match, taking advantage of a lapse in Suva’s defense. He then notched his second goal just before halftime with a skillful header, initiated by a well-placed clearance from Ba’s captain and goalkeeper, Ravinesh Anand Singh.
Suva responded strongly in the second half, driven by the efforts of Nikil Chand, and managed to narrow the gap with a goal from Justin Kumar as the clock ticked down. However, they faced relentless resistance from Ba’s defense, particularly from Manasa Nawakula and Penisoni Tirau, who ensured that Suva’s late attempts to equalize were thwarted.
In a last-ditch effort, Suva pushed all their players forward in the final moments, but they were unable to penetrate Ba’s strong defensive line or get past Singh, who made several crucial saves. As a result, Ba finishes as the runner-up in Group B, while the Whites maintain a solid position at the top.
The match showcased Ba’s tenacity and skill, reaffirming their competitive spirit within the championship and highlighting the excitement of futsal as a dynamic and fast-paced sport. Fans can look forward to an engaging final four where Ba will aim to continue their success.
This thrilling encounter not only marks an important victory for Ba but also sets the stage for a competitive showdown in the upcoming playoff rounds, full of potential for remarkable performances and unforgettable moments.
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