FLICK Hygiene Lautoka defended their title as champions of the Digicel Fiji FACT for the second consecutive year after beating Oceania Fiberglass Navua 1-0 in the final at Subrail Park in Labasa yesterday.
A free-kick from Lautoka’s Aporosa Yada in the 82nd minute was all it took to secure the win for the Blues.
Assistant captain Sairusi Nalaubu said consistency was a key element in their win over Navua, as the side was finally able to find the back of the net in the last few minutes of the match.
“The boys had to work hard continuously throughout the whole match before we could score in the last few minutes,” the 27-year-old said.
“It was not easy, Navua was a very strong team and they proved that today (yesterday) when they denied us a few goals which could have extended our lead.”
He said the side had to be patient throughout the match as Navua continued to pile pressure on his side, especially in the last 10 minutes of the game.
“After the 82nd minute goal, we had to be on guard for the next 10 minutes because we knew Navua would be looking for an equaliser.
“But hats off to the boys for the way they held Navua off and kept them at bay, despite a few close attempts at goal.”
Fiji Football Association chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf said Lautoka proved themselves against a determined Navua side, and applauded them for defending their title.
“Lautoka proved their worth once more and was able to hold off Navua to the very end.
“It was a very tough game, as you can see the only goal of the match came in the 82nd minute,” he said.
Yusuf labeled the tournament as a success, and thanked the Labasa Town Council for hosting.
“We also want to thank all the supporters, fans and spectators for coming out in numbers throughout the entire tournament, making it a successful one.”
