Labasa triumphed over host Lautoka with a 2-1 victory in an exciting Group A match of the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship held at Churchill Park tonight, securing a place in the semifinals.
Under the guidance of coach Ravneel Pratap, Labasa performed consistently following their 3-1 win against Suva the previous day. The team made strategic changes to the starting lineup, including the introduction of Anish Khem and Akeimi Ralulu.
Experienced forward Christopher Wasasala scored both goals for Labasa in the first half. He capitalized on a defensive mistake to score the first goal in the 16th minute, sending the ball past goalkeeper Beniamino Mateinaqara. Wasasala struck again in the 43rd minute, finding the top corner of the net, leaving the Babasiga Lions leading 2-0 at halftime.
Lautoka’s Saula Waqa responded quickly after the break, scoring in the 49th minute with an impressive shot that left veteran goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau helpless.
Wasasala later received a second yellow card and was sent off, putting additional pressure on Labasa as Lautoka sought to capitalize on their numerical advantage. Despite frequent threats from Waqa and Sairusi Nalaubu, solid defensive efforts from Netani Suluka, Sekove Naivakananumi, and Lekima Gonerau held off Lautoka, allowing Labasa to maintain their lead until the final whistle.
Labasa, sponsored by Extra Supermarket, is set to face Navua in their last group match tomorrow at 4 PM, while Lautoka will take on Suva in the final match of Day 3 at 8 PM.