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 at the Blacktown Spartan Sporting Complex in Sydney.
Nadi, under the guidance of coach Anginesh Prasad and featuring young talents such as Vishant Reddy and Nilkash Prasad, created more scoring opportunities in the first half. However, Labasa benefited from the experience of players including brothers Anish Khem and Ashnil Raju, Jasnit Vikash, Matthew and Brian Charitar, Vinal Prasad, and Kirtesh Prasad, who leveraged their skills effectively.
With the match ending in a stalemate after normal time and two extra time periods, the outcome was determined by penalties, where Khem made a crucial save that secured Labasa’s place in the final.
Labasa will face Sydney Suva in the final match scheduled for 4:30 PM. The two teams previously met on the tournament’s opening day, where Sydney Suva came out on top with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a goal from Nickel Chand.