Veteran striker Christopher Wasasala played a crucial role in leading the Labasa football team to victory, securing a 5-3 win in a penalty shootout against Navua in the final of the FMF Inter District Championship at Lautoka’s Churchill Park last night.
In an interview, Wasasala expressed his determination and eagerness to prove his critics wrong when he stepped up to take the decisive penalty. “I was confident it would go in, especially after missing a penalty in our semi-final match,” he stated. Wasasala highlighted the team’s challenges throughout the season, emphasizing the need for strength in the final. He declared he would take the fifth shot and secure the win for Labasa, dedicating the victory to their supporters.
Labasa’s goals during the match came from Anish Khem, Sekove Naivakananumi, Rusiate Doidoi, and Lekima Gonerau, while Navua’s contributions included goals from Ali Mekawir, Filipe Baravilala, and Jared Rongosulia, with Vineet Chand missing his attempt.
An emotional Labasa coach Ravneel Pratap credited the team’s district pride for their motivation. He acknowledged the support from fans, sponsors, and officials throughout the challenging season, especially highlighting how Extra Supermarket, their sponsor, consistently provided necessary resources.
Pratap expressed gratitude for the team’s ability to rebound from a 3-0 defeat to Navua in the group stage to triumph in the final. He recognized Navua as a strong team that provided a good challenge.
The Labasa team, known as the Babasiga Lions and led by 42-year-old goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau, will return home today with a prize money of $25,000, while Navua will receive $6,000. The match saw Labasa midfielder Akeimi Ralulu and Navua’s Saimoni Damuni receive red cards in the second half, leaving both teams with ten players on the field.