A second‑half strike from substitute Simione Ragoneturaga delivered the 2025 Extra Battle of the Giants title to Extra Supermarket Labasa, capping a 2-1 win over Lincoln Rewa in front of a packed Subrail Park in Labasa. The Babasiga Lions surged ahead early through Rusiate Doidoi in the 17th minute, were pegged back by a first‑half equaliser from Josaia Sela, and then showed composure to find the winner after the break. Goalkeeper Jitoko Vulava preserved the lead with a string of late saves.
The occasion, attended by 7,643 fans, was marred by brief outbreaks of unruly behavior. After Rewa’s equaliser, bottles were thrown toward the Rewa bench, prompting a response from the Rewa technical area and police intervention. During the flashpoint, Jaiden Shankar was shown a yellow card. A similar incident flared after Ragoneturaga’s winner, leading to cautions for both head coaches. Match officials warned the game could be abandoned if disorder continued. Fiji Football Association chief executive Mohammed Yusuf personally addressed sections of the crowd, urging calm so the final could conclude—which it did.
Beyond the disturbances, the night was a landmark for Labasa. It is their third BOG crown, their first at Subrail Park, and their first in 26 years. Vulava’s excellence between the posts earned him player of the match and the tournament’s Golden Glove, while teammate Ilisoni Lolaivalu received the Golden Ball. Labasa collected $17,000 in prize money and a $2,500 shopping voucher; Rewa received $5,000, a $1,500 voucher, and the Fair Play Team award.
Road to the final
– Labasa edged Navua 1-0 in extra time in the semifinal, courtesy of an Anish Khem penalty.
– Rewa overwhelmed defending champions Lautoka 6-0, with standout displays from Setareki Hughes and John Orobulu.
– Rewa had kept clean sheets throughout the tournament before conceding twice in the final.
Comment
Two truths defined this final: Labasa’s resilience in big moments and the need for stronger crowd management. On the pitch, the Lions balanced emotion with clarity, riding the home energy without losing shape—an encouraging sign for a side that also lifted the Fiji FACT earlier this year. Off it, swift intervention by police, officials, and the Fiji FA ensured player safety and kept the focus on football. The hope now is that the same passion that fills Subrail Park can be channeled into a consistently family‑friendly atmosphere. With a community this engaged and a squad delivering under pressure, Labasa’s platform for sustained success looks real.
Summary
– Labasa beat Rewa 2-1 at Subrail Park to win the 2025 Extra BOG.
– Goals: Labasa—Rusiate Doidoi (17’), Simione Ragoneturaga (second half); Rewa—Josaia Sela (first half).
– Incidents: Bottle throwing toward Rewa bench; police intervened; officials threatened abandonment; Fiji FA CEO Mohammed Yusuf calmed the crowd; yellow cards to Jaiden Shankar and both head coaches.
– Honors: Jitoko Vulava—player of the match and Golden Glove; Ilisoni Lolaivalu—Golden Ball.
– Significance: Labasa’s third BOG title, first in 26 years, first won at home.
– Prizes: Labasa—$17,000 plus $2,500 voucher; Rewa—$5,000 plus $1,500 voucher; Rewa received Fair Play Team award.
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