Labasa has advanced to the grand final of the Rams Group of Companies 10th Sanatan World Cup after defeating Nadi 4-2 in a penalty shootout during the second semifinal held at the Blacktown Spartan Sporting Complex in Sydney today.
Nadi, led by coach Anginesh Prasad and featuring young players like district representatives Vishant Reddy and Nilkash Prasad, generated more opportunities in the first half. However, Labasa utilized the experience of players such as brothers Anish Khem and Ashnil Raju, Jasnit Vikash, Matthew and Brian Charitar, Vinal Prasad, and Kirtesh Prasad effectively.
With both teams failing to score during regular time and two periods of extra time, the match was decided by penalties, where Khem’s crucial save secured Labasa’s place in the final.
Labasa will face Sydney Suva in the championship match at 4:30 PM. The two teams previously met on the tournament’s opening day, with Sydney Suva winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from Nickel Chand.