The southern drought continued as Labasa beat Suva 2-1 to secure its fifth Pillay Garments Champion v Champion football series title at the ANZ Stadium at Laucala Bay yesterday.
Labasa’s win in the rain, ensured that no team in the South would lay claim to the trophy which has eluded them the past 29 years.
Powerwise Electrical (NZ)/ Standard Hire Labasa goalkeeper and captain Akuila Mateisuva said after the damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Yasa and TC Ana they played with a mission.
“The people back home have gone through tough times, including the players and their families,” he said.
“We came with a mission and that was to win. We got it and dedicate it to all the people of Vanua Levu.”
Labasa struck on extra time of the first-half with a beautifully floated free-kick from Babasiga Lions defender Sitiveni Rakai which found Solomon Islands import and midfielder Marlon Tahioa who headed the ball past a flatfooted Suva goalkeeper Atunaisa Naucukidi.
The goal sent cheers across the ground and gave confidence to the northerners as they led 1-0 into the break.
The lead was short-lived two minutes into the second spell as Unique Rubber Stamp Suva’s Remueru Tekiate took advantage of a confused Labasa back defence and struck the ball past the wall of red shirts to equalise. Labasa 1 – 1 Suva.
Tensions flared as both sides hunted for the killer blow. Labasa midfielder Jone Naraba edged closer to putting a second goal past Naucukidi but failed in the last second to connect.
Suva increased the tempo with Shahil Dave coming close to score, but only to be called offside. Veteran Iosefa Verevou’s free-kick midway into the second- half fell on the mark only to be thwarted away by Babasiga goalkeeper and captain Mateisuva.
As the rain poured, it was the experience of veteran fullback and former Fiji rep Taniela Waqa that broke the deadlock on the 85th minute as a through ball found him isolated to powerstrike the ball into the back of the Suva net. Labasa defended their line well right up to the final whistle sending the crowd into jubilation and the win into the history books.
Suva FC line-up: 1. Atunaisa Naucukidi, 3. Meli Codro 4. Simione Nabenu, 5. Remueru Tekiate, 9. Iosefo Verevou, 10. Christopher Wasasala, 11. Ravnesh Karan Singh, 12. Joeli Ranitu, 14. Waisake Navunigasau, 6. Shahil Dave, 17. Filipe Baravilala. Substitutes: 2. Laisenia Naikoko, 6. Kelvin Naidu, 8. Vilitati Kautoga, 13. Mohammed Khan, 18. Kalisito Veikoka, 19. Merrill Nand, 20. Shazil Ali, 22. Emori Ragata.
Labasa FC: 22. Akuila Mateisuva, 4. Sitiveni Rakai, 6. Sekove Naivakananumi, 7. Marlon Tahioa, 9. Siotame Kubu, 10. Jone Naraba, 11. Ilisoni Lolaivalu, 12. Ashnil Raju, 14. Akeimi Ralulu, 15. Ilisoni Logaivou, 17. Lekima Gonerau. Substitutes: 1. Nemani Dolodai, 2. Lino Iliesa, 3. Mohammed Yaseen, 5. Isikeli Ratucava, 8. Vikranth Chandra, 13. Apenisa Anare, 16. Taione Kerevanua, 18. Ilaisa Vulimainavuso, 19. Taniela Waqa.
