Saula Waqa and Sairusi Nalaubu delivered outstanding performances for the Flick Hygiene Lautoka football team during the final of the 2024 Rooster Chicken/Scoops Ice-Cream Battle of the Giants tournament, leading the Blues to a 2-1 victory against Smart Security/Calgary Nadi at the HFC Bank Stadium.
Both players had been in impressive form throughout the season leading up to this tournament and had contributed significantly by sharing five goals in Lautoka’s semi-final win over Rewa, which concluded with a score of 5-1.
Despite their efforts in the first half, the score remained goalless at half-time thanks to impressive goalkeeping from Nadi’s Joela Biuvanua. Nadi’s Ali Naseri kept the Lautoka defense alert with his skillful play and effective through balls.
The match turned in Lautoka’s favor when referee Veer Singh awarded a controversial penalty in the 65th minute, with video replays suggesting there was no foul committed by Nadi defender Vuniuci Tikomaimereke in the box. Waqa capitalized on the opportunity, converting the penalty to put Lautoka ahead.
Nadi responded aggressively, increasing their offensive push, which created vulnerabilities in their defense. However, Lautoka’s defense held strong, preventing Nadi’s attackers from capitalizing on scoring chances.
Nine minutes before the end of the match, Nalaubu found space outside the Nadi penalty area, used his dribbling skills effectively, and scored, sealing the victory for Lautoka.
This triumph marked Lautoka’s first Battle of the Giants title in eight years, with their last win in 2016. Meanwhile, Nadi continues to seek their first BOG title since 1996.
Lautoka’s lineup included: Viliame Tabucala, Epeli Leiroti, Zibraaz Sahib, Aporosa Yada, Ilimotama Jese, Muni Shivam Naidu, Sairusi Nalaubu, Saula Waqa, Atonio Tuivuna, Sterling Vasconcellos, and Sakaraia Naisua.
Nadi’s team consisted of: Joela Biuvanua, Shaheel Valentine, William Valentine, Ale Naseri, Tuiba Batiratu, Ame Votoniu, Eneriko Matau, Ratu Tulivou, Vuniuci Tikomaimereke, Mohammed Ayman, and Siotame Kubu.