Etonia Dogalau shined with a double goal performance that propelled Ba FC into the final four of the Extra Supermarket Futsal Inter-District Championship, as they triumphed over reigning champions Suva with a score of 2-1 at the Vodafone Arena today.
The match began with an early advantage for Ba, as Dogalau netted the opening goal just two minutes into the game, catching the Suva defense off guard. His second goal came at a crucial moment just before half-time, with a remarkable header following a well-placed long clearance from Ba’s goalkeeper and captain, Ravinesh Anand Singh. This goal has been hailed as one of the standout moments of the tournament.
Despite their disappointing start, Suva, who had already secured two wins earlier in the tournament against Nasinu and Savusavu, made a strong effort to regain control in the second half. Led by the tenacious Nikil Chand, they narrowed the gap with a goal from Justin Kumar with less than ten minutes left on the clock, making it a tense finish.
In the closing moments of the match, Suva intensified their attack, but Ba’s defense, particularly Manasa Nawakula and Penisoni Tirau, stood firm. Even as Suva sent all five players forward in a desperate bid to equalize, they could not penetrate the solid defense or slip past the vigilant Ba goalkeeper, Singh.
As a result of this victory, Ba finishes as the runner-up in Group B, advancing to the semi-finals alongside the group leaders. This match illustrates Ba’s resilience and determination, setting the stage for an exciting semifinal matchup.
Looking ahead, Ba’s performance not only boosts their confidence but also shows the potential for a thrilling championship run. Spectators can anticipate more high-stakes action as this tournament unfolds, highlighting the growth and competitiveness of futsal in the region.
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