Lautoka, the champions of the Battle of Giants, showcased their impressive form by defeating Labasa 4-2 in a prominent match of the Digicel Fiji Premier League Round 13 held at Churchill Park. Despite missing several key players, including Epeli Leiroti, Zibraaz Sahib, and Sakaraia Naisua, and benching their BOG-winning captain Ilimotama Jese, Lautoka delivered a strong performance against Labasa, who featured some reinforcements.
Young player Maciu Tuinuku took the right back position for Lautoka while Saula Waqa and Sairusi Nalaubu adjusted to midfield duties to accommodate a new striking duo of Nigerian Usman Omede and Shiva Pillay, the younger brother of James and Raj Pillay. Labasa included Netani Suluka in their starting lineup after missing the BOG and opted for Christopher Wasasala and Melvin Mani as their attacking front, moving Solomon Islanders Tigi Molea and Junior Fordney to the bench.
The match saw Lautoka take the lead in the 31st minute when Iliesa Lino accidentally scored an own goal while trying to clear a desperate shot from Nalaubu. Lautoka went into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.
Labasa made two substitutions at halftime, bringing in Sekove Naivakananumi and Molea. Molea took up a central midfield role while Naivakananumi added strength to the defense, allowing Lekima Gonerau to shift to left back. Lautoka responded by introducing Jese in midfield and moving Nalaubu forward.
Shiva Pillay extended Lautoka’s lead by scoring after tapping in Nalaubu’s blocked attempt. The intensity of the match escalated with both teams making substitutions, including Lautoka’s Sekove Luma, who earned a penalty in the 76th minute after being fouled in the box. Waqa capitalized on this opportunity, extending Lautoka’s lead further.
Labasa managed to score their first goal in the 85th minute through substitute Waqa, but Lautoka’s Nalaubu sealed the victory just before the final whistle, showcasing excellent skill by outrunning two defenders and scoring.
In the closing moments, Lautoka’s goalkeeper Tabucala was substituted, and his replacement Umesh Ram had a challenging debut. His difficulties culminated in conceding a goal to Wasasala in the first minute of added time and then committing a foul to give away a penalty. Wasasala’s attempt from the spot, however, struck the post, leaving the score at 4-2.
With this win, Lautoka remains third in the league standings with 22 points, while Labasa holds the second position with 27 points.
The teams featured were:
Lautoka – Viliame Tabucala (Umesh Ram), Antonio Tuivuna, Maciu Tuinuku, Sterling Vasconcellos, Aporosa Yada, Muni Shivam Naidu, Ilisoni Logaivou, Saula Waqa, Sairusi Nalaubu, Shiva Pillay (Sekove Luma), Usman Omede (Ilimotama Jese).
Labasa – Jitoko Vulava, Iliesa Lino, Sitiveni Rakai, Lekima Gonerau, Ilisoni Loloivalu (Sekove Naivakananumi), Akeimi Ralulu (C) (Taniela Waqa), Netani Suluka (Junior Fordney), Ashnil Raju, Eparama Moraica (Tigi Molea), Christopher Wasasala, Melvin Mani.