The stage is set for this year’s Fiji Football Association Cup Tournament (Fiji FACT) at Subrail Park in Labasa as the first round of matches were played at Churchill Park and at the ANZ Stadium.
At Churchill Park last Saturday, Online IT Solutions Ba thumped Prasads Maintenance Works Nasinu 3-1 while the Bluez Fan Club Lautoka lost to Easy Kool Nadi 1-0.
Ba’s goals were scored by Darold Kakasi, Malakai Tiwa and Samuela Drudru, while Ba goalkeeper Sanaila Waqanicakau was unlucky to concede an own goal.
Waqanicakau, who plays upfront and whom I fondly call ‘yaca’, directed play from the back and looked smart in his pink attire.
Nadi coach Master Kamal Swamy was a relieved man as his boys edged the hosts thanks to Rusiate Matarerega’s screamer.
Goalie Vereti Dickson rose to the occasion as he made crucial saves. At the ANZ Stadium, it was goals galore as Suva hosted Navua, while BOG champion Rewa met the IDC champion Labasa.
Suva was too good for Navua as the Whites pumped four goals against the minnows. Christopher Wasasala, Meli Codro and Sairusi Nalaubu were on the goal scoring sheet while Alfred Tahir Ali pounced on a loose ball and sent Navua fans into a frenzy as he had equalised.
Rewa proved too strong for Labasa as the Tigers snatched three points and four goals against the team that had defeated them twice (1-0 in the IDC semis and in the league).
The Lions missed numerous golden goal scoring chances in the first half, including Ilisoni Logaivou’s penalty kick.
Rewa scored four goals in the last 20 minutes as their impact players tested Labasa.
Setareki Hughes, who broke the deadlock, Samuela Nabenia and Tevita Waranivalu scored. As Rewa fans celebrated, Labasa fans left dejected and having hopes that the Lions would beat Ba and Nasinu on their home turf.
I agree with Noa Biudole (FT: 23/11) that the Lions have a mountain ahead of them but the Lions proved many wrong after losing to Navua in their pool match 1-0, and then won the IDC trophy.
This year’s Fiji FACT is historic as matches will be aired live on Fiji One, and fans will get an opportunity to watch all games live.
Competition is going to be tough and Suva and Nadi look top bets from group B, while Labasa and Rewa will be gunning for first and second place in group A.
We have had three different winners this year. Labasa, Rewa and Suva won the IDC, BOG and league.
Will we have a new winner in the Fiji FACT? Only time will tell as we anticipate a good turnout for the Fiji FACT in the Friendly North.
To the Lions – please play your hearts out. Regardless of the loss, I thank you for your efforts against Rewa.
I’m urging Labasa fans to stand by the team regardless of the 4-0 loss to Foodcity Rewa.
I thank co-sponsors Powerwise Electrical (NZ) and Galaxy Hotel and Apartments and I wish the Babasiga Lions all the best as they aim to qualify for the semis!
* Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam is a regular contributor to this newspaper and the views expressed in this article are his and not of The Fiji Times.
