Lautoka has secured a spot in the grand final of the 2024 Rooster Chicken/Scoops Ice-Cream Battle of the Giants after defeating Rewa 5-3 in the first semifinal at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva today.
Coached by Shivam Raj, Lautoka dominated from the beginning, with Saula Waqa scoring the opening goal in the 20th minute. Rewa’s Josaia Sela equalized three minutes later, but Lautoka continued to impress with their fast-paced football.
Waqa scored again in the 35th minute after a defensive error left the goal unguarded, allowing him to back-heel the ball into the net. Sairusi Nalaubu, who had not scored during the group stages, showcased his skills by netting Lautoka’s third goal after dribbling past three defenders and shooting past goalkeeper Isikeli Sevanaia.
Nalaubu added a fourth goal in injury time, following excellent midfield play by Epeli Leiroti. Lautoka led 4-1 at halftime and maintained their dominance in the second half.
Rewa’s Samuela Kautoga nearly scored in the 64th minute, but his shot missed the target. Nalaubu completed his hat-trick in the 83rd minute, hitting the roof of the net after beating two defenders. 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 more respectable.
Teams:
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.