Lautoka, the champions of the Battle of Giants, demonstrated their strong form by defeating Labasa 4-2 in the Digicel Fiji Premier League Round 13 match held at Churchill Park today.
Even with the absence of significant players such as Epeli Leiroti, Zibraaz Sahib, and Sakaraia Naisua, and the decision to bench BOG-winning captain Ilimotama Jese, Lautoka showcased an impressive performance against Labasa, who made some reinforcements for the match.
The hosts saw young talent Maciu Tuinuku start at right back, while Saula Waqa and Sairusi Nalaubu shifted into midfield to accommodate a new striker pairing of Nigerian Usman Omede and Shiva Pillay, the younger brother of James and Raj Pillay.
Labasa welcomed back Netani Suluka, who missed the BOG, into their lineup. Coach Ravneel Pratap chose to start Christopher Wasasala and Melvin Mani up front, leaving Solomon Islanders Tigi Molea and Junior Fordney on the bench.
In the 31st minute, an attacking play by Nalaubu led to Lautoka taking the lead when Labasa’s Iliesa Lino accidentally scored an own goal while trying to clear the ball. Lautoka maintained their 1-0 advantage at halftime.
Labasa made a tactical change at the start of the second half, bringing on Sekove Naivakananumi and Molea for Eparama Moraica and Ilisoni Logaivou. Molea moved into a central midfield role, while Naivakananumi bolstered the central defense, allowing Lekima Gonerau to shift to left back.
Lautoka also made strategic substitutes, introducing Jese in midfield while replacing Omede, which allowed Nalaubu to advance to a striking position. Pillay then doubled Lautoka’s lead by tapping in a Nalaubu shot that had been saved by goalkeeper Jitoko Vulava.
As the match grew more intense, Labasa brought in veteran Taniela Waqa and Fordney midway through the second half. Lautoka also introduced young Sekove Luma, son of Jone Vono Junior, who won a penalty in the 76th minute after being fouled in the box. Waqa successfully converted the penalty, extending Lautoka’s lead to 3-0.
Labasa finally found the net in the 85th minute, with Waqa bringing them their first goal. However, Nalaubu ensured Lautoka’s victory in the 89th minute with a well-executed goal, surpassing two defenders and scoring past Vulava.
In the closing minutes, Lautoka goalkeeper Tabucala was substituted for Umesh Ram, who had a challenging debut. Ram allowed an easy goal to Wasasala during injury time and later fouled Wasasala, awarding Labasa a penalty. Wasasala, however, missed the opportunity, hitting the post, and the score remained unchanged.
Following the match, Flick Hygiene Lautoka stands in third place with 22 points, while Extra Supermarket Labasa holds the second position with 27 points.
The teams participating in the match were as follows:
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.