Labasa secured the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship title by defeating Navua 5-3 in a penalty shootout at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Star forward Christopher Wasasala scored the crucial penalty, clinching the prestigious trophy for the Babasiga Lions.
The final match began at a rapid pace, with both teams making aggressive early plays. Labasa’s Wasasala, Tigi Molea, and Fordney Junior posed significant threats to Navua’s defense, while Navua’s Thomas Dunn, Simione Damuni, and fast-paced Usaia Tilivarua challenged Labasa’s goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau.
Despite the intense action, the first half ended without any goals, prompting coaches Ravneel Pratap and Saiyad Ali to adjust their strategies for the second half. Labasa made a substitution, bringing in Ilisoni Loloivalu for Molea, while Navua replaced Solomon Islander Jackson Wale with Sunny Deol.
As the game intensified, emotions escalated, leading to the dismissal of Labasa’s Akeimi Ralulu and Navua’s Domoni, leaving both teams with ten players. In the 79th minute, Dunn nearly broke the deadlock but was saved by defender Sitiveni Rakai. Shortly after, Wasasala had an opportunity to score but failed to find the power in his shot.
With neither team able to score in regular time or during extra time, the championship was decided by penalties. Labasa’s Anish Khem, Sekove Naivakananumi, Rusiate Doidoi, Lekima Gonerau, and Wasasala all converted their attempts. Vineet Chand, who had been brought on just before the shootout, missed for Navua, while Ali Mekawir, Filipe Baravilala, and Jared Rongosulia successfully scored for Navua.
Labasa was awarded $25,000, medals, and the championship trophy, while Navua received $6,000 for their performance in reaching the final.
The starting lineups were as follows:
Extra Supermarket Labasa: Simione Tamanisau (C), Tigi Molea, Fordney Junior, Christopher Wasasala, Anish Khem, Eparama Moraica, Akeimi Ralulu, Lekima Gonerau, Netani Suluka, Taniela Waqa, Sekove Naivakananumi.
Stratum Construction/Zeg Investment Navua: Jovilisi Borisi, Simione Damuni, Jared Rongosulia, Usaia Tilivarua, Thomas Dunn, Arami Manumanubai, Jackson Wale, Vinal Prasad, Kolinio Sivoki (C), Filipe Baravilala, Zainal Ali.