Lautoka hosted Navua in a tense match during the opening day of the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship at Churchill Park, ultimately securing a 3-1 victory. The home team started strong, with Saula Waqa and Sitiveni Cavuilagi scoring two quick goals to put Lautoka ahead 2-0 at halftime.
The playing conditions were challenging due to the heavy pitch, affecting both teams’ performances. Navua got back into the game when Jared Rongolisua scored from a 40-yard looping cross, which the assistant referee ruled crossed the goal line despite Lautoka goalkeeper Benaminio Matainaqara initially claiming the ball.
Lautoka faced further challenges when Sakaraia Naisua was sent off for receiving a second yellow card, leaving the team with ten players. Despite Navua’s efforts to find an equalizer, Lautoka’s leading scorer, Sairusi Nalaubu, secured the win with a goal in injury time.
In upcoming fixtures, Navua will face Suva at 2 PM tomorrow, while Lautoka will take on Labasa at 8 PM.