Labasa has advanced to the grand final of the Rams Group of Companies 10th Sanatan World Cup after defeating Nadi 4-2 in a penalty shootout during the second semifinal held at the Blacktown Spartan Sporting Complex in Sydney today.
Nadi, led by coach Anginesh Prasad and featuring young talents such as Vishant Reddy and Nilkash Prasad, dominated the first half with more scoring opportunities. However, Labasa capitalized on the experience of players like brothers Anish Khem and Ashnil Raju, Jasnit Vikash, Matthew and Brian Charitar, Vinal Prasad, and Kirtesh Prasad.
With the match ending in a stalemate after normal time and two extra periods, penalties were needed to determine the winner. Khem played a crucial role by making an important save, which ultimately secured Labasa’s place in the final.
Labasa will face Sydney Suva in the championship match at 4:30 PM. The two teams previously met on the tournament’s opening day, where Sydney Suva claimed a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Nickel Chand.