The Flick Hygiene Lautoka football side did just enough to beat Calgary Nadi 4-3 and secure a spot in the semi-final of the Digicel Pacific Fiji FACT at Subrail Park in Labasa yesterday.
While Nadi had no chance of making it to the semi-final, Lautoka went into the match just needing a draw to make the final four. Nadi started on a high with two quick goals from Shravan Sharma and Siotame Kubu to take an early 2–nil lead.
Lautoka, under the captaincy of Zibraaz Sahib, regrouped and got back into the match to tie the scores at the break.
Sairusi Nalaubu was in top form and scored two goals in the first spell as the teams rested tied 2-all at half time.
Nalaubu started the second spell just the way he ended the first using his speed to score Lautoka’s third goal of the match.
Ilimotama Jese sealed the win for the Blues with a beautiful strike from outside the box.
Nadi’s Eneriko Maatau blasted in the third for Nadi but it wasn’t enough as Lautoka progressed through to the semis.
Sahib said he was pleased with how his team was progressing in the tournament.
“We started with a draw. Then edged Nadroga on the second day and then defeating Nadi. Team work is the key for us and I must thank the boys for it,”Sahib said.
“I must thank Nadi as well. They came to play and played very well but our plan worked and I am happy that we came away with the three points.”
Lautoka topped the pool with seven points tied with Ba. The Blues finished top as they had scored more goals with the goal difference the same for both teams.
