Lautoka has secured its place in the grand final of the 2024 Rooster Chicken/Scoops Ice-Cream Battle of the Giants by defeating Rewa 5-3 in the first semifinal at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva today.
Under the guidance of coach Shivam Raj, Lautoka showcased dominance from the start. Striker Saula Waqa opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a header.
Rewa quickly responded three minutes later with a goal from Josaia Sela, but Lautoka maintained their fast-paced play. Waqa doubled Lautoka’s lead in the 35th minute after capitalizing on a defensive error, leaving the goal wide open.
Sairusi Nalaubu, who hadn’t scored in the group stages, displayed his talent by weaving past three defenders and scoring Lautoka’s third goal. He added another in injury time, making it 4-1 at halftime.
Lautoka continued their dominance in the second half. Rewa’s Samuela Kautoga had a near miss in the 64th minute. Nalaubu sealed the victory for Lautoka in the 83rd minute after beating two defenders and finding the back of the net.
Rewa fought back, with Tevita Waranaivalu scoring a penalty in the 86th minute and Epeli Valevou adding another just before the final whistle, making the final score 5-3.
Team lineup:
Rewa: Isikeli Sevanaia, Ivan Kumar, Patrick Joseph, John Orobulu, Setareki Hughes (C), Madhwan Goundar (Iowane Matanisiga), Tevita Waranaivalu, Josaia Sela (Epeli Valevou), Delon Shankar (Asivorosi Rabo), Stanton Alick, Samuela Kautoga.
Lautoka: Viliame Tabucala, Epeli Leiroti, Zibraaz Sahib (Ilisoni Logaivou), Aporosa Yada, Ilimotama Jese (C), Muni Shivam Naidu, Sairusi Nalaubu, Saula Waqa (Apisalome Ravouvou), Antonio Tuivuna, Sterling Vasconcellos, Sakaraia Naisua.