BA FC’s new face, Joji Lutumailagi, nephew of Ba legend Josaia Bukalidi Junior made a strong debut as Ba FC delivered a convincing 3-0 win over Lautoka FC on Sunday at the Fiji FA Academy ground.
Lutumailagi’s calm presence and creative play were key in keeping Ba’s momentum strong throughout the second half.
Ba Football president Dr. Diva Singh applauded the team’s effort, saying the players have shown they are ready to compete at the Fiji FACT, BOG, and IDC tournaments.
“The fans were waiting for this win, and today (yesterday) the players proved they are ready for the Fiji FACT, BOG, and IDC,” Singh said.
Both teams started slowly, with the first 45 minutes ending in a goalless draw at half time.
Ba lifted their intensity in the second half, sticking to their game plan and breaking the deadlock through Peniasi Tirau, who slotted in a penalty in the 69th minute.
The pressure mounted on Lautoka, and things got worse when Sitiveni Cavuilagi was shown a red card, reducing the Men in Blue to 10 players.
Ba capitalised on the advantage, with Peceli Sukabula chipping the ball over Lautoka goalkeeper Isikeli Seva Junior to extend the lead in the 72nd minute.
Lautoka’s poor defensive structure cost them dearly, as Ba scored their third goal through Penaia Nagatalevu in the 84th minute, comfortably beating Seva Junior to seal 3-0 victory at full time.
