Lautoka, the champions of the Battle of Giants, continued their strong performance by defeating Labasa 4-2 in a highlighted match of the Digicel Fiji Premier League Round 13 at Churchill Park.
Despite the absence of key players such as Epeli Leiroti, Zibraaz Sahib, and Sakaraia Naisua, and relegating their captain Ilimotama Jese to the bench, Lautoka exhibited a robust performance against the Babasiga Lions, who fielded some reinforcements.
For Lautoka, young player Maciu Tuinuku started as right back, while Saula Waqa and Sairusi Nalaubu moved into midfield, allowing new striking duo Nigerian Usman Omede and Shiva Pillay—brother of James and Raj Pillay—to take the lead. Labasa, on the other hand, welcomed back Netani Suluka and initiated Christopher Wasasala and Melvin Mani at the front, moving Solomon Islanders Tigi Molea and Junior Fordney to the bench.
In the 31st minute, Lautoka took the lead when Labasa’s Iliesa Lino, in a bid to clear the ball, inadvertently scored an own goal. Lautoka went into halftime leading 1-0.
Labasa made two substitutions at the start of the second half, bringing on Sekove Naivakananumi and Molea, with Molea slotting into central midfield and Naivakananumi adding strength to the defense. Lautoka responded by introducing Jese as midfielder, shifting Nalaubu further upfront.
Shiva Pillay extended Lautoka’s lead after he netted a goal following a play where Nalaubu’s shot was first blocked by Labasa’s goalkeeper Jitoko Vulava. Labasa continued to push for a comeback, adding veteran Taniela Waqa and Fordney to the pitch.
In a tactical switch, Lautoka sent in young Sekove Luma who earned a penalty in the 76th minute after being fouled inside the box. Waqa capitalized on the situation by scoring the penalty, further increasing Lautoka’s lead.
Labasa did manage to get on the scoreboard in the 85th minute, thanks to a goal from substitute Waqa. However, Nalaubu secured victory for Lautoka in the 89th minute with a remarkable finish after outpacing two defenders.
In the closing moments of the game, Lautoka’s goalkeeper Tabucala was substituted, and his replacement Umesh Ram had a challenging debut, conceding an easy goal to Wasasala in stoppage time. Ram then fouled Wasasala to give away a penalty, but Wasasala’s attempt hit the post, preventing further narrowing of the scoreline.
Following this match, Flick Hygiene Lautoka sits in third place with 22 points, while Extra Supermarket Labasa holds second with 27 points.
The team line-ups 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.