Lautoka emerged victorious against Navua with a 3-1 scoreline in a tense Group A opener of the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship (IDC) held at Churchill Park. The team, managed by Shivam Raj, showcased a strong performance, initially taking control of the match and scoring two goals within two minutes during the first half.
Saula Waqa put Lautoka ahead in the 26th minute, converting a free-kick taken by Zibraaz Sahib. Two minutes later, midfielder Sitiveni Cavuilagi extended the lead by chipping the ball over an out-of-position goalkeeper Jovilisi Borisi, leaving Lautoka in a commanding 2-0 position at halftime.
The second half saw Navua mounting a determined response, with Thomas Dunn generating multiple scoring opportunities. As the intensity of the match escalated, players began to lose their composure, resulting in several cards being issued, including a red card to Lautoka’s left-back Sakaraia Naisua for receiving a second yellow.
A well-placed shot from Jared Rongosulia, a Solomon Islander, tested Lautoka’s veteran goalkeeper Beniamino Mateinaqara, who mishandled the catch, allowing the ball to cross the line and awarding Navua a goal, igniting excitement in the last ten minutes of the match.
However, deep in injury time, a long clearance from Mateinaqara found Sairusi Nalaubu, who skillfully bypassed Borisi to score the final goal, sealing the match for Lautoka at 3-1.
Navua will face neighboring Flick Hygiene Suva in their next match at 2 p.m. tomorrow, while Lautoka takes on Extra Supermarket Labasa in the featured Day 2 match at 8 p.m.