Labasa triumphed over Navua in a thrilling penalty shootout, winning 5-3 to secure the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship at Churchill Park in Lautoka. The decisive kick was expertly taken by star striker Christopher Wasasala, leading the Babasiga Lions to victory in this prestigious tournament.
The match started energetically with both teams making aggressive attempts to score. Labasa’s attacking trio of Wasasala, Tigi Molea, and Fordney Junior posed a constant threat, while Navua’s Thomas Dunn, Simione Damuni, and swift Usaia Tilivarua responded effectively.
Both goalkeepers, Simione Tamanisau and Jovilisi Borisi, had their skills put to the test with multiple saves throughout the match. Despite the high-paced first half, neither team found the back of the net, prompting both coaches, Ravneel Pratap for Labasa and Saiyad Ali for Navua, to rethink their strategies for the second half.
Labasa made a change at halftime, substituting Molea with Ilisoni Loloivalu, while Navua brought in Sunny Deol for Jackson Wale. As the game progressed, the intensity escalated, leading to a tense moment when Labasa’s Akeimi Ralulu and Navua’s Domoni were both sent off, leaving each side with ten players.
In the 79th minute, Dunn nearly scored for Navua but was thwarted by a well-timed tackle from Labasa’s Sitiveni Rakai. Shortly after, Wasasala had an opportunity to capitalize on a setup by Anish Khem but his shot lacked the necessary power to beat Borisi.
With neither team able to find a goal in regulation time, the match moved into extra time, but still resulted in a stalemate, necessitating a penalty shootout. Labasa converted five penalty attempts, with Wasasala, Anish Khem, Sekove Naivakaranumi, Rusiate Doidoi, and Lekima Gonerau all successful. Vineet Chand of Navua, who was brought in just before the shootout, missed his penalty kick, while Ali Mekawir, Filipe Baravilala, and Jared Rongosulia scored for Navua.
As a result of their victory, Labasa received $25,000, gold medals, and the champion’s trophy, while Navua was awarded $6,000 for reaching the finals.
The squads that took to the field were:
Labasa: Simione Tamanisau (C), Tigi Molea, Fordney Junior, Christopher Wasasala, Anish Khem, Eparama Moraica, Akeimi Ralulu, Lekima Gonerau, Netani Suluka, Taniela Waqa, Sekove Naivakananumi.
Navua: Jovilisi Borisi, Simione Damuni, Jared Rongosulia, Usaia Tilivarua, Thomas Dunn, Arami Manumanubai, Jackson Wale, Vinal Prasad, Kolinio Sivoki (C), Filipe Baravilala, Zainal Ali.