Lautoka FC and Suva FC played out a 1-1 draw in the first round of the Extra Premier League at Churchill Park yesterday.
Suva started strongly in the first half, dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities. Their pressure paid off when Siotame Kubu found the back of the net, giving the capital city side a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Despite multiple chances to extend their lead, Suva failed to convert, allowing Lautoka to regroup during the break. The home side came out with renewed intensity in the second half and earned a penalty, which Rusiate Matarerega calmly converted to level the score at 1-1.
Both sides fought hard in the closing stages, but neither could find a winner, leaving the match evenly poised at full time.
Suva coach Babs Khan acknowledged his players’ efforts and the challenges of the first game after the festive season.
“This is the first game; we can’t really expect a lot from the players. They are coming from different walks of life and trying to gel. It’s all part of the game. We had a lot of opportunities to score in the first half,” he said.
The draw leaves both teams sharing points as the Extra Premier League season kicks off, with Lautoka looking to build on home advantage and Suva aiming to tighten their attack in upcoming fixtures.
In another fixture on western soil, Dayals Sawmillers Ba football defeated a stubborn Nadroga side 5-2.
Sairusi Nalaubu, Rusiate Doidoi, Elijah Abetem and Penisoni Tirau scored for Ba while Semesa Sacere and Tomasi Tuicakau netted for the Stallions.
