Lautoka secured the 2024 Rooster Chicken/Scoops Ice-Cream Battle of the Giants title at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva after defeating Nadi 2-0 in an exhilarating final match.
Goals from Saula Waqa and Sairusi Nalaubu enabled the Blues to claim their second consecutive title of the season. The all-Western final began with both teams displaying an aggressive approach, launching early attacks. Lautoka’s Waqa, Aporosa Yada, and Nalaubu were particularly threatening, while Nadi’s Ali Naseri, Siotame Kubu, and Eneriko Matau tried to make their mark offensively.
Nadi goalkeeper Joela Biuvanua made several crucial saves, keeping the score level at half-time. However, the slight drizzle during the second half made conditions challenging for the players. Lautoka’s seasoned players, including Antonio Tuivuna and Captain Ilimotama Jese, effectively organized the defense under the changing weather.
In the 64th minute, Waqa was fouled during an aerial challenge inside the box, leading to a penalty that he successfully converted, giving Lautoka the lead. As the rain intensified, both teams had to adjust their strategies, opting for longer passes.
In the 80th minute, Lautoka’s Epeli Leiroti assisted Nalaubu, who struck the ball past Biuvanua to extend the lead to 2-0. Despite their efforts, Nadi could not find the back of the net, ending their campaign without scoring in the final.
Lautoka walked away with $17,000 in prize money, while Nadi received $5,000 for reaching the finals.
The starting lineups for both teams were as follows:
Flick Hygiene Lautoka – Viliame Tabucala, Epeli Leiroti, Aporosa Yada, Ilimotama Jese (C), Muni Shivam Naidu, Sairusi Nalaubu, Saula Waqa, Antonio Tuivuna, Sterling Vasconcellos, Sakaraia Naisua.
Smart and Efficient/Calgary Nadi – Joela Biuvanua, Shaheel Valentine, William Valentine, Ali Naseri, Tuiba Batiratu, Ame Votoniu (C), Eneriko Matau, Ratu Tulivou, Vuniuci Tikomaimereke, Mohammed Ayman, Siotame Kubu.