Lautoka triumphed in the 2024 Rooster Chicken/Scoops Ice-Cream Battle of the Giants, held at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, by defeating Nadi 2-0 in an intense final match. The team secured their second consecutive title of the season thanks to goals from strikers Saula Waqa and Sairusi Nalaubu.
The all-Western final started with high energy as both teams made early offensive attempts. Lautoka’s Waqa, Aporosa Yada, and Nalaubu sparked notable threats on the attack, while Nadi’s Ali Naseri, Siotame Kubu, and Eneriko Matau responded with their own challenges. Nadi goalie Joela Biuvanua made several impressive saves, leaving the teams scoreless at halftime.
As the second half commenced, a light drizzle impacted gameplay, making conditions slippery and more difficult for players to adjust. Lautoka’s experience came through as players like Antonio Tuivuna and Captain Ilimotama Jese effectively organized the defense.
Waqa earned a penalty in the 64th minute following a foul during an aerial confrontation inside the box, which he successfully converted to put Lautoka on the scoreboard. With rain intensifying, both teams switched strategies, opting for long through balls.
In the 80th minute, Lautoka surged into Nadi’s attacking zone, with Epeli Leiroti assisting Nalaubu, who struck the ball past Biuvanua, securing a second goal for Lautoka. Despite their efforts, Nadi could not find the back of the net and concluded their campaign scoreless.
In recognition of their victory, Lautoka walked away with $17,000, while Nadi received $5,000 for making it to the finals.
The starting lineups for the match 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.