Tigi Molea from the Solomon Islands scored two impressive goals, leading Labasa to a 4-1 victory over Nadi in the first Super Premier semifinal of the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship, held at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
The Babasiga Lions quickly adapted to the heavy pitch conditions and began their offensive play just after the match started.
In the 19th minute, Labasa was awarded a penalty after a foul on Christopher Wasasala, but Wasasala missed the chance, sending his shot over the goal. He soon redeemed himself by setting up Molea’s first goal in the 26th minute with a precise pass that allowed Molea to tap the ball into the net, giving Labasa a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Molea struck again in the 54th minute, skillfully lifting the ball into the bottom left corner to double the lead. The relentless effort from the coach Ravneel Pratap’s team resulted in Wasasala scoring the third goal in the 66th minute.
Nadi managed to reduce the deficit with a goal from central defender Tuiba Batiratu, but Labasa maintained control over the match, finishing off with a goal from Ilisoni Loloivalu deep into injury time, which took a deflection off the goalkeeper.
The starting lineups for the match were as follows:
Extra Supermarket Labasa: Simione Tamanisau (C), Tigi Molea, Fordney Junior, Christopher Wasasala, Anish Khem, Eparama Moraica, Akeimi Ralulu, Lekima Gonerau, Netani Suluka, Taniela Waqa, Sekove Naivakananumi.
Mahijibhai Hardware/Calgary Nadi: Joela Biuvanua (C), Abdullah Aiyas, William Valentine, Tevita Vonovesi, Tuiba Batiratu, Ame Votoniu, Eneriko Matau, Ratu Tulivou, Mohammed Ayman, Beniamino Lebatavatava, Siotame Kubu.