In a historic match on April 18, 1995, Suva secured a decisive 4-0 victory over Labasa in the final of the Fiji FACT tournament at Subrail Park. This remarkable achievement not only garnered Suva a prize of $6000 but also silenced the passionate Labasa supporters, who had come in high spirits, expecting their team to claim victory.
Suva’s coach and player, Maritino Nemani, credited the team’s disciplined game plan for their success. “We played according to our strategy,” he said, emphasizing how they controlled the match from the beginning, stifling Labasa’s attempts to dominate on their home turf. Following a quick goal from Saiasi Tubuna just five minutes into the game, Labasa struggled to regain its composure. Another remarkable strike by Navitalai Visawaqa just before halftime stretched the lead to 2-0.
The second half saw Suva maintain their momentum, scoring two more goals swiftly, one from Meli Debalevu and another from Nemani, solidifying their victory. Labasa’s defense faltered throughout the match, allowing Suva’s strikers to exploit their weaknesses, effectively sealing Labasa’s fate.
Labasa’s president, Peter Nand, graciously acknowledged Suva’s superior performance, stating, “Suva deserved to win, with their strong finishing.” Despite their disappointment, Labasa managed to take home the Fair Play Trophy for their sportsmanship during the tournament.
As a fitting end to the tournament, Suva’s city officials planned a grand celebration upon the team’s return. The anticipation of a march through the city highlighted the community’s pride in their team’s achievements.
This significant win marks an exciting moment in Fiji’s football history and could signal a bright future for Suva in upcoming tournaments, as they aim to build on this momentum and further establish their dominance in Fijian soccer.
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