The Lautoka football team secured the Battle of the Giants title after defeating Nadi 2-0 in the final held at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. This victory adds to their earlier success this year when they won the Digicel Fiji FACT title, and they are still competing in the Digicel Fiji Premier League, with the Interdistrict Championship scheduled for October.
Lautoka Football Association president Shalendra Prasad reflected on the team’s earlier loss to Nadi in their group stage, describing it as a wake-up call for the players. He emphasized their determination to win the B.O.G trophy after their success in the Digicel Fiji FACT tournament.
Prasad expressed optimism about winning the upcoming IDC tournament since Lautoka is hosting it. He acknowledged the players’ efforts in the final and commended the coaching staff for their role in the team’s victory, also congratulating Nadi for reaching the final.
Nadi’s coach, Raj Dayal, noted that his team struggled with finishing opportunities and attributed some of their difficulties to the slippery field conditions. Nadi earned $5000 for their second-place finish, while Lautoka received $17,000.
During the match, both teams played cautiously in wet conditions, leading to a scoreless first half. Lautoka took the lead in the 65th minute with a penalty converted by star striker Saula Waqa. The game grew more chaotic with continuous rain, and in the 74th minute, Nadi’s Siotame Kubu received a yellow card for a foul.
Lautoka continued to apply pressure, and in the 80th minute, Waqa assisted Sairusi Nalaubu, who scored their second goal. Although Nadi made a strong push for a comeback, the Lautoka defense, led by Sterling Vasconcellos, held firm.
In related news, Rewa Masters emerged victorious in the International Veterans tournament over 40s division final, defeating Nadi Masters 1-0 at the same venue. Nithan Kumar scored the winning goal for Rewa in the second half.