LABASA FC held firm under late pressure to defeat Ba FC 2-1 in an intense encounter at Govind Park yesterday.
Both sides came out firing in the opening 10 minutes, contesting possession with urgency, but it was Labasa who settled quicker into their rhythm. Sticking to a structured game plan, the visitors applied constant pressure on Ba’s defence through their sharp finishing options.
Their persistence paid off when France Catarogo broke through the Ba backline and unleashed a stunning strike to hand Labasa a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
The match grew scrappy as both teams struggled with discipline, but Labasa maintained their composure and control of the contest.
The Babasiga Lions returned in the second half with renewed intensity, tightening their defence and disrupting Ba’s attacking flow. Goalkeeper Jitoko Vulava proved crucial, producing several outstanding saves to keep the hosts at bay.
Labasa extended their lead through Navitesh Kumar, who finished off a well-worked move to make it 2-0.
Ba responded after being awarded a penalty following a foul, with Emmanuel Gabriel converting to give the home side hope.
Backed by thousands of vocal supporters, Ba pushed hard in the final 15 minutes, but Labasa’s defence stood tall to secure the 2-1 victory.
Second goal scorer Navitesh Kumar praised his teammates after the match.
“Boys gave 100 percent. In my mind was to defeat Ba,” he said.
Kumar dedicated the win to teammate Inosi Matanisiga and goalkeeper Jitoko Vulava, revealing both players had family members currently unwell.
“We dedicate this win to them. They wanted us to win.”
In other matches played yesterday, Nasinu upset Nadi 2-1 while Lautoka edged Nadroga 3-2.
In a lone match played on Saturday, Navua thumped Tailevu Naitasiri 4-1.
