FiFTEEN -year-old Jone Loga says faith, teamwork, and their coach’s words inspired Rakiraki FC to fight back and successfully defend their Senior Division title at the 2025 FMF IDC yesterday.
“I want to thank God Almighty for the win.
“I’m so happy to be part of this Rakiraki team and winning my first major football tournament. When we drew 2–2 at full time, our coach told us to keep pushing and moving forward and score a goal,” Loga said.
Rakiraki FC defeated RA Logistic Lami FC 6–2 in a thrilling extra-time showdown to walk away with $3,500 prize money while Lami settled for $1,500.
The two sides were locked 2–2 at full time, forcing the match into an extra spell that saw Rakiraki take full control.
Rakiraki’s Puneet Kumar opened the scoring in the 28th minute before Lami’s Rohit Chand equalised in the 35th. Sahil Naresh then put Lami ahead 2–1 in the 40th minute, giving them a slim lead at halftime.
In the second half, Sanjay Dutt brought Rakiraki back into contention with a crucial equaliser in the 79th minute, sending the final into extra time.
The extra period belonged entirely to Rakiraki. Sixteen-year-old Jone Loga found the back of the net in the 104th minute, igniting the champions’ momentum.
Substitute Watisoni Seru then stole the show, scoring a sensational hat-trick to seal a comprehensive 6–2 victory and secure Rakiraki’s back-to-back IDC Senior Division title.
