Heavy rainfall led to unplayable ground conditions, causing a two-hour delay in the FMF Inter District Championship at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday. The scheduled match between the Labasa team, coached by Ravneel Pratap, and Navua was postponed from 4 pm to 6 pm, contingent on inspections by Fiji Football Association officials and referees.
Jitendra Reddy, Head of Fiji Referees, emphasized the importance of ensuring the field was safe for play. “The unfavorable weather affected the ground conditions,” he stated. “The committee has decided to delay the game, but we aim to complete all group matches. However, we will evaluate the situation on a game-by-game basis.” Reddy highlighted that the safety of players remains the top priority.
So far, Rewa and Labasa have secured their places in the semi-finals set for tomorrow.
In another development, the Nadi team, coached by Raj Dayal, turned the tide with a significant 4-1 victory over Nadroga, keeping their semi-final aspirations alive. Nadi was in commanding form, leading 2-0 at halftime with goals from Siotame Kubu and Ratu Tulivou. Despite Nadroga’s Semesa Sacere reducing the deficit to 2-1, Nadi’s William Valentine scored in the 77th minute, followed by Kubu’s second goal sealing the win.
Nadi now awaits the outcome of the match between Rewa and Ba to determine their semi-final fate. Ba must win by at least two goals to advance. Nadi Football Association president Mohin Rafiq expressed hope that Rewa would either hold Ba or lose by a narrow margin, reflecting on the team’s effort after a previous loss.
Another exciting matchup is set between Lautoka and Suva to decide which team will join Labasa in the semi-finals. These matches were all in progress as the news was published last night.