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 held at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva today.
The team, coached by Shivam Raj, started aggressively and took the lead in the 20th minute with a header from Saula Waqa. Rewa quickly equalized three minutes later with a goal from striker Josaia Sela, but Lautoka maintained their fast-paced and entertaining style of play.
Waqa netted his second goal in the 35th minute after a defensive mistake, allowing him to back-heel the ball into an empty goal. Sairusi Nalaubu, who had not scored in the group stages, showcased his talent by scoring the third goal for Lautoka, beating three defenders and sending a low shot past goalkeeper Isikeli Sevanaia.
Nalaubu scored again in injury time, capitalizing on some good midfield work by Epeli Leiroti, making it 4-1 at halftime. Lautoka continued to dominate in the second half.
Samuela Kautoga almost scored for Rewa in the 64th minute, but his shot missed the target. Nalaubu completed his hat trick in the 83rd minute, securing the match for Lautoka by beating two defenders and striking the ball into the roof of the net.
Despite their efforts, Rewa could only add a Tevita Waranaivalu penalty in the 86th minute and a last-minute goal from Epeli Valevou, ending the match 5-3.
The teams were as follows:
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.