Lautoka, the champions of the Battle of Giants, showcased their impressive form by defeating Labasa 4-2 in the Digicel Fiji Premier League Round 13 match held at Churchill Park.
Despite the absence of crucial players including Epeli Leiroti, Zibraaz Sahib, and Sakaraia Naisua, and sidelining BOG-winning captain Ilimotama Jese to the bench, Lautoka delivered a strong performance against Labasa, who had made some changes to their lineup.
The home team featured young Maciu Tuinuku at right back while Saula Waqa and Sairusi Nalaubu shifted to midfield to accommodate a new striking partnership of Nigerian Usman Omede and Shiva Pillay, who is the younger brother of James and Raj Pillay.
Labasa started the match with Netani Suluka, who had missed the BOG, while Coach Ravneel Pratap chose to field Christopher Wasasala and Melvin Mani in the attack, relegating Solomon Islanders Tigi Molea and Junior Fordney to the bench.
In the 31st minute, Nalaubu’s attacking play forced Iliesa Lino to score an own goal while attempting to clear the ball, giving Lautoka the lead. The Blue team led 1-0 at halftime.
Labasa made two substitutions at the start of the second half, bringing on Sekove Naivakananumi and Molea to strengthen their formation. Molea took on a central midfield role, and Naivakananumi reinforced the central defense.
Lautoka introduced Jese into midfield, swapping him for Omede, with Nalaubu moving to a more advanced position. Pillay extended Lautoka’s lead by converting a rebound from Nalaubu’s attempt that was initially saved by Labasa’s goalkeeper, Jitoko Vulava.
As the match heated up, Labasa added veteran Taniela Waqa and Fordney to their lineup midway through the second half, while Lautoka introduced Sekove Luma, who earned a penalty in the 76th minute after being fouled in the box. Waqa converted the penalty to put Lautoka ahead 3-0.
Labasa eventually scored their first goal in the 85th minute courtesy of substitute Waqa. However, Lautoka’s Nalaubu sealed the victory with a goal in the 89th minute, showing great skill to outpace two defenders and score past Vulava.
In the final moments of the match, Lautoka’s goalkeeper Viliame Tabucala was substituted, and his replacement Umesh Ram had a difficult introduction, conceding an easy goal to Wasasala in stoppage time. Ram then fouled Wasasala in the box, resulting in a penalty for Labasa, but Wasasala’s attempt hit the post, leaving the score unchanged.
With this win, Flick Hygiene Lautoka remains in third place with 22 points, while Extra Supermarket Labasa is in second place with 27 points.
The lineups for both teams were as follows:
Lautoka – Viliame Tabucala (Umesh Ram), Antonio Tuivuna, Maciu Tuinuku, Sterling Vasconcellos, Aporosa Yada, Muni Shivam Naidu, Ilisoni Logaivou, Saula Waqa, Sairusi Nalaubu, Shiva Pillay (Sekove Luma), Usman Omede (Ilimotama Jese).
Labasa – Jitoko Vulava, Iliesa Lino, Sitiveni Rakai, Lekima Gonerau, Ilisoni Loloivalu (Sekove Naivakananumi), Akeimi Ralulu (C) (Taniela Waqa), Netani Suluka (Junior Fordney), Ashnil Raju, Eparama Moraica (Tigi Molea), Christopher Wasasala, Melvin Mani.