Labasa triumphed over Navua in a thrilling penalty shootout, winning 5-3 to secure the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship, held at Churchill Park in Lautoka. The victory was sealed by star striker Christopher Wasasala, who scored the decisive penalty kick for Labasa, also known as the Babasiga Lions.
The final match started off energetically, with both teams displaying aggressive offensive strategies. Labasa’s Wasasala, Tigi Molea, and Fordney Junior posed significant threats, while Navua’s Thomas Dunn, Simione Damuni, and Usaia Tilivarua also caused trouble for the Labasa defense. The goalkeepers, Simione Tamanisau for Labasa and Jovilisi Borisi for Navua, were kept busy, making crucial saves throughout the match.
The first half ended without any goals, prompting coaches Ravneel Pratap of Labasa and Saiyad Ali of Navua to strategize for the second half. Labasa made a substitution at halftime, introducing Ilisoni Loloivalu for Molea, while Navua brought on Sunny Deol for Jackson Wale.
As both teams intensified their efforts, tensions rose on the field, resulting in the dismissal of Labasa’s Akeimi Ralulu and Navua’s Domoni, leaving both teams with ten players each. In the 79th minute, Dunn narrowly missed scoring, blocked by Labasa’s Sitiveni Rakai, while Wasasala had a chance shortly after, but his shot was easily saved by Borisi.
With neither team managing to score during the 90 minutes of regular time, the match proceeded to extra time, which also concluded without goals. The outcome was then decided through penalty kicks, where Labasa’s Anish Khem, Sekove Naivakananumi, Rusiate Doidoi, Lekima Gonerau, and Wasasala all successfully converted their penalties. Navua’s Vineet Chand, who was brought on just before the shootout, missed his penalty, while Ali Mekawir, Filipe Baravilala, and Jared Rongosulia scored for Navua.
As champions, Labasa received a prize of $25,000, medals, and the winner’s trophy, while Navua took home $6,000 for their efforts in reaching the finals.