The Lautoka football side qualified to the final of the 2023 Digicel Fiji FACT after defeating Labasa 2-1 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva yesterday.
Backed by thousands of supporters, Labasa had the upper hand in the early stages. Lautoka were awarded a penalty when Sekove Naivakanainumi fouled Sairusi Nalaubu inside the penalty box.
Zibraaz Sahib made no mistake from the spot to put the Blues ahead.
Labasa pressed for an equaliser before the break but it was Nalaubu who had the last say of the first spell. Nalaubu chipped beautifully over Labasa stopper Simione Tamanisau to double the lead from am acute angle.
Lautoka led 2-nil at halftime. Labasa came into the second spell knowing they needed to score early to put pressure on the Blues.
The Babasiga Lions did had their share of chances but attackers Christopher Wasasala, Ashneel Raju and Ilaisa Rayasi failed to find the target.
It was not until the 86th minute when Naivakanainumi set up a run for Wasasala who placed it in for Rayasi to finish it off.
Wasasala had a chance to equalise in injury time but his shot was saved by Lautoka stopper Senirusi Bokini. Lautoka held on to make it to today’s final.
Blues coach Ronil Kumar said his team took a defensive approach in the second spell.
“After scoring twice in the first spell we knew Labsa will come out firing in the second half. We strengthened our defence and managed to hold on in the last few minutes,” Kumar said. Labasa coach Thomas Vulivuli said his team did have its share of chances but it just wasn’t their day.
Teams
Lautoka: Senirusi Bokini, Saula Waqa, Aporosa Yada, Zibraaz Sahib, Sitiveni Cavuilagi, Afraz Ali, Ilimotama Jese, Kishan Sami, Sakaraia Naisua, Sairusi Nalaubu, Epeli Leiroti
Labasa: Simone Tamanisau, Sitiveni Rakai, Christopher Wasasala, Rusiate Doidoi, Ashnil Raju, Edwin Shayam, Sekove Naivakanainumi, Taniela Waqa, Ilaisa Rayasi, Akeimi Ralulu, Ilisoni Lolaivalu
