DEFENDING champions Extra Supermarket Labasa will have more than a piece in the BiC Fiji FACT final on the line when they face Ba in the tournament’s first semi-final at Subrail Park on Saturday at 2pm.
The Babasiga Lions are chasing a return to the final and an opportunity to end a 27-year wait for a Fiji FACT title on home soil.
Despite their recent success, Labasa have not celebrated a Fiji FACT triumph in front of their home supporters since 1999.
With the tournament once again being staged in the North, the stakes could hardly be higher for a side carrying the hopes of one of Fiji’s most passionate football districts.
Labasa enters the knockout clash in strong form, having remained unbeaten since July 2025.
Their impressive 4-2 victory over Rewa in the group stage secured a semi-final berth and provided valuable momentum heading into the weekend.
Following the win, the Babasiga Lions shifted their full attention to Ba, spending the week analysing performances and sharpening their game plan.
The coaching staff has focused on maintaining defensive organisation, improving ball movement, and ensuring the team executes its strategies against a dangerous Ba side.
However, coach Alvin Chand believes his side will need to be at its best to overcome the Men in Black.
“It’s going to be a tough one,” Chand said.
“We have seen how Ba has been playing and they are looking good.”
History adds another layer of significance to the encounter.
Although Labasa has hosted the Fiji FACT tournament six times, it has only won the competition twice on home ground, in 1992 and 1995.
That record has only strengthened the determination within the squad as they look to create another memorable chapter in the club’s history.
