Labasa triumphed over Navua in a thrilling penalty shootout, winning 5-3 to secure the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Star forward Christopher Wasasala converted the final kick, sealing the victory for the Babasiga Lions.
The match began energetically, with both teams launching aggressive attacks. Labasa’s Wasasala, Tigi Molea, and Fordney Junior posed constant threats, while Navua’s Thomas Dunn, Simione Damuni, and the speedy Usaia Tilivarua countered effectively. Both goalkeepers, Simione Tamanisau for Labasa and Jovilisi Borisi for Navua, made crucial saves throughout the game.
Despite the intensity, the first half concluded without goals, prompting strategic changes from both coaches, Ravneel Pratap for Labasa and Saiyad Ali for Navua. Labasa made a substitution at the start of the second half, bringing in Ilisoni Loloivalu for Molea, while Navua introduced Sunny Deol in place of Jackson Wale.
As the match progressed, tensions escalated. Labasa’s Akeimi Ralulu and Navua’s Domoni were sent off, reducing both teams to ten players. In the 79th minute, Dunn nearly scored but was thwarted by Labasa’s Sitiveni Rakai. Two minutes later, Wasasala had a chance to score but his effort lacked the necessary power and was comfortably saved by Borisi.
With neither team able to break the deadlock in regulation time, the match moved to extra time, but no winner emerged, leading to the penalty shootout. Labasa’s kickers, Anish Khem, Sekove Naivakananumi, Rusiate Doidoi, Lekima Gonerau, and Wasasala all scored. However, Vineet Chand of Navua missed his penalty after being introduced just before the shootout. On the other hand, Ali Mekawir, Filipe Baravilala, and Jared Rongosulia successfully converted their attempts for Navua.
Labasa’s victory earns them $25,000, medals, and the championship trophy, while Navua will receive $6,000 for their runner-up finish.
The starting players for the match included:
Extra Supermarket Labasa – Simione Tamanisau (C), Tigi Molea, Fordney Junior, Christopher Wasasala, Anish Khem, Eparama Moraica, Akeimi Ralulu, Lekima Gonerau, Netani Suluka, Taniela Waqa, Sekove Naivakananumi.
Stratum Construction/Zeg Investment Navua – Jovilisi Borisi, Simione Damuni, Jared Rongosulia, Usaia Tilivarua, Thomas Dunn, Arami Manumanubai, Jackson Wale, Vinal Prasad, Kolinio Sivoki (C), Filipe Baravilala, Zainal Ali.