Lautoka capped its 2021 Digicel Premier League campaign on a high note after coming from behind to defeat Labasa 2-1 at Churchill Park yesterday.
The victory was the icing on the cake for the Viti Water Flow-sponsored Blues after the side claimed the DPL league title last week.
Iliasa Nayasi shocked the hosts with his goal in the 19th minute.
Labasa was reduced to 10 players after Taniela Waqa was shown the red card mid-way in the first spell.
A pep talk by coach Imdad Ali at half-time ignited the home team in the second spell.
Afraz Ali leveled for Lautoka in the 65th minute while Zibraaz Sahib got the winner in the 77th minute.
Lautoka Football Association interim executive member Abdul Kadar said they achieved their aim for the season.
“We managed to maintain the team looking after the players’ welfare. We are thankful to our major sponsor Viti Water Flow and other sponsors like Technicool Enterprises, KBL, HyperChem Pharmacy and all those who supported the team together with the sponsors” Kadar said.
“With the DPL turning into four rounds next year, things will become more competitive,” he said.
Lautoka received $18,000 for winning the DPL title.
Meawhile, Rewa claimed the second spot in the league after beating Nadi 3-1 at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.
Rewa’s goals came in the sixth, 36th and 56th minutes from Samuela Nabenia, Gabiriele Matanisiga, and Epeli Valevou.
Nadi’s lone goal was from Mosese Nauci in the 90th minute.
Ba fell short BA fell short of finishing in the race to vie for the 2022 Oceania Football Confederation Champions League after a scoreless draw against Suva in the Digicel Premier League at Churchill Park yesterday.
Ba’s chance of finishing in the top two in the competition was thwarted by Rewa which defeated Nadi 3-1.
Suva was reduced to 10 players in the fixture after Joeli Ranitu and Emori Ragata were sent off.
Ba’s Shameel Rao missed a penalty in the match.
Rewa will now face Lautoka in a playoff to determine which team represents Fiji at the 2022 OFC Champions League.
With the recent changes made only one team from each country will be represented at the 2022 OFC Champions League.
This has been done to ensure the health and wellbeing of footballers in the region because of the ongoing issues presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This playoff will be held in July next year.
