Labasa secured a thrilling victory over Navua, winning 5-3 in a penalty shootout to claim the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Star player Christopher Wasasala netted the crucial penalty that sealed the championship for the Babasiga Lions.
The final match began energetically, with both teams launching early offensive plays. Labasa’s Wasasala, Tigi Molea, and Fordney Junior posed significant threats, while Navua’s Thomas Dunn, Simione Damuni, and the speedy Usaia Tilivarua also had their moments on the attack. Goalkeepers on both sides, Simione Tamanisau for Labasa and Jovilisi Borisi for Navua, were kept busy making saves throughout the match.
Despite a fast-paced first half, neither team managed to score, compelling both coaches, Ravneel Pratap for Labasa and Saiyad Ali for Navua, to reassess their strategies during halftime. Labasa made tactical substitutions, with Molea replaced by Ilisoni Loloivalu and Navua bringing Sunny Deol in for Jackson Wale.
As the game progressed into the second half, the intensity increased, leading to a flare-up that saw Labasa’s Akeimi Ralulu and Navua’s Domoni both receive red cards, reducing both teams to ten players.
Navua’s Dunn nearly broke the deadlock in the 79th minute but was thwarted by Labasa’s substitute defender Sitiveni Rakai. Two minutes later, Wasasala had a chance to score but his shot was easily saved by Borisi.
With both teams still scoreless after the duration of regular and extra time, the title had to be decided through penalties. Labasa’s Anish Khem, Sekove Naivakananumi, Rusiate Doidoi, Lekima Gonerau, and Wasasala converted their penalties successfully, while Vineet Chand, who was brought on just before the shootout, missed his kick for Navua. Ali Mekawir, Filipe Baravilala, and Jared Rongosulia all scored for Navua, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.
For their triumph, Labasa received $25,000, medals, and the winner’s trophy, while Navua received $6,000 for reaching the finals.
The teams that started the match for Labasa included Simione Tamanisau (C), Tigi Molea, Fordney Junior, Christopher Wasasala, Anish Khem, Eparama Moraica, Akeimi Ralulu, Lekima Gonerau, Netani Suluka, Taniela Waqa, and Sekove Naivakananumi. Navua’s lineup featured Jovilisi Borisi, Simione Damuni, Jared Rongosulia, Usaia Tilivarua, Thomas Dunn, Arami Manumanubai, Jackson Wale, Vinal Prasad, Kolinio Sivoki (C), Filipe Baravilala, and Zainal Ali.