BACKED by the cheers of 6528 people, Extra Supermarket Labasa booked its spot in the final of the 2025 Extra Battle of the Giants thanks to an extra time goal by Anish Khem.
Khem’s goal gave Labasa a 1-0 win over River Tubing Fiji/ Classic Travel Tours and Rentals Navua in a nerve-wrecking first semi-final clash yesterday at Subrail Park.
A game that could have gone either way, ended up in favor of the home team, following an unlucky defensive foul by Navua’s Jared Rongosulia in the second spell of extra time.
After 90 minutes of regular playing time, both teams were locked nil-all, forcing the match into extra time.
Labasa coach Alvin Chand did not hide his nerves especially with a raucous home crowd that did not shy away from expressing their frustration.
“Extra time is always nerve wrecking and it was the same for me and the players but I’m really happy that the players maintained their composure and it just showed that they are true fighters, they fight until the last whistle to win the game.
“I would like to thank the players they have been working really hard on the field. It’s all because of their hardwork, if they had not given everything in the game, the result would not have been in our favor, winning at extra time shows the extra effort that has been put in by our players. Labasa has not won any cup here at home for a very long time and I am glad that we are one step closer to that,” he said.
Fans were treated to a truly entertaining and tough football match as Labasa and Navua fought tooth and nail for a spot in the final.
“I just told them not to take the pressure; the fans are here in large numbers because of us. It’s not that we see a large crowd and we stress about that, we just take it in a positive way, the fans will be cheering for us and we just have to deliver a good game and that’s what’s actually happened.”
Possession-wise, Labasa had it plenty and it would only be fair to commend Navua’s defence and composure during the relentless Labasa attacks.
“With all due respect, Navua is a very good side; coach Babs Khan has done a very good job in preparing them for this tournament. We were cautious and I know fans were there in large numbers and I think their cheers made the difference in the end as well,” Chand added.
The final is scheduled for 3pm today.