Labasa triumphed over Navua 5-3 in a penalty shootout to secure the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Star player Christopher Wasasala converted the decisive penalty kick for the Babasiga Lions, clinching the prestigious title.
The match began energetically, with both teams launching early offensive plays. For Labasa, Wasasala, Tigi Molea, and Fordney Junior posed significant threats, while Thomas Dunn, Simione Damuni, and the swift Usaia Tilivarua created challenges for Navua. Goalkeepers Simione Tamanisau and Jovilisi Borisi were kept busy, making several crucial saves.
The first half concluded without any goals, leading the coaches, Ravneel Pratap and Saiyad Ali, to adjust their strategies for the second half. Labasa substituted Molea for Ilisoni Loloivalu, while Navua brought in Sunny Deol for Jackson Wale.
As the game progressed, tensions mounted, resulting in the referee, Torika Delai, showing red cards to Labasa’s Akeimi Ralulu and Navua’s Domoni, leaving both teams with ten players on the field. In the 79th minute, Dunn came close to scoring but was thwarted by Labasa’s defender Sitiveni Rakai. Wasasala had a chance shortly after, but his shot lacked power and was easily saved.
With no goals during the regular ninety minutes, the match extended into extra time, but neither team could find the net. Consequently, the championship was decided through penalties. For Labasa, Anish Khem, Sekove Naivakananumi, Rusiate Doidoi, Lekima Gonerau, and Wasasala successfully converted their kicks, while Vineet Chand, who had been brought in just before the shootout, missed for Navua. Ali Mekawir, Filipe Baravilala, and Jared Rongosulia scored for Navua.
As champions, Labasa received $25,000, medals, and the winner’s trophy. Navua was awarded $6,000 for making it to the final.
The starting lineups 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.