The Labasa futsal team faced a challenging match against Tailevu Naitasiri in the semi-final of the Extra Futsal Inter-District Championship at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. The contest ended in a narrow 4-3 defeat for Labasa, marking a hard-fought battle that showcased both teams’ skills.
Labasa quickly made their presence known as Ashnil Kumar Raju scored a goal just two minutes into the match. This early strike set a hopeful tone for the Labasa side. However, Tailevu Naitasiri quickly countered, with Neeraj Sharma and Shifraaz Khan each finding the net, allowing their team to take a 2-1 lead at halftime.
The second half saw Tailevu Naitasiri extend their advantage with a goal from Avishek Deo, bringing the score to 3-1. Yet, Labasa’s Simione Ragoneturaga responded swiftly, scoring and tightening the game to 3-2. A further goal from Tailevu Naitasiri’s Maciu Tuilau pushed the score to 4-2, but Labasa answered again with another goal from Raju, narrowing the gap to 4-3. Ultimately, Tailevu Naitasiri held on to secure the victory.
Reflecting on the match, Labasa’s coach, Imtiaz Begg, expressed pride in his team’s performance despite the loss. He acknowledged the missed opportunities, particularly three penalty kicks, but commended the players for their hard work and determination to reach the semi-finals. Begg highlighted the learning experience for many of his players who are new to futsal, indicating that this journey could pave the way for future successes.
In recognition of his outstanding performance, Shifraaz Khan of Tailevu Naitasiri was named the Extra Player of the Match.
Despite the disappointment of falling short in the semi-finals, there remains hope for Labasa as they reflect on their efforts and look forward to building on their experiences in future tournaments. The competitive spirit of the Extra Futsal Inter-District Championship continues to inspire and unite teams, offering valuable lessons that can contribute to future achievements.
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