Labasa College crowned under-17 champions after dramatic shootout win over Tilak High
Labasa College are the new champions of the under-17 grade at the Extra Fiji Secondary School Football Championship after a nerve-wracking 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Tilak High School at 4R Stadium, Govind Park, Ba, yesterday. The champions walk away with $1,000 in prize money, a $1,000 Extra Shopping voucher, and the winner’s trophy, while Tilak settled for $500 in prize money, a $500 voucher, and the runner-up trophy.
The final was a tightly contested affair, with both teams showing strong attacking intent and solid defensive work. The score was locked 0-0 at halftime and remained 0-0 at full time, with neither side able to break the deadlock even after extra time. The contest was ultimately decided by penalties, where Labasa converted all of their first five kicks, while Tilak matched them up to their final attempt.
Labasa’s hero was goalkeeper Charles Peters, a Taveuni native, whose save on Tilak’s fifth kick sealed the victory for Labasa. Peters credited the win to self-belief and the support of the fans.
“I believed in myself that I will stop that kick,” Peters said. “Thank you to the supporters from Vanua Levu and here in Ba, and to our coach for all the hard work. Our main message was to come here and win, and we did it.”
Additional value and context:
– This win showcases Labasa College’s growing strength in youth football, highlighting the depth of talent in the northern region and the effectiveness of the program in developing young players for higher levels.
– The display of composure in a high-stakes shootout reflects the mental resilience being built within Labasa’s U17 squad, a positive sign for Fiji’s future school football campaigns.
– The close final underline the competitive level of the Extra Fiji championship, with both finalist programs investing in coaching, player development, and community support.
Summary: Labasa College clinched the U17 title in a tense final, overcoming Tilak High School on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes, with Charles Peters’s decisive save sealing the triumph. The victory not only delivers a trophy and prizes but also boosts momentum for Labasa’s youth football program going forward.
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