Nadi, Ba Set Pace
Traditional football giants Jack’s Nadi and Ba recorded 100 per cent wins and are in commanding position to hoisting the 2018 INKK Mobile Battle of the Giants title.
This was after Nadi defeated defending champions Rewa 2-0 while Ba overcame Tavua 4-0 yesterday. In the other matches Suva bounced back to hammer Dreketi 6-0 and Labasa upset host and tournament favourites Lautoka 1-0 last night.
BABASIGA LIONS TASTE FIRST VICTORY
An unforgettable moment for Labasa as they came out victorious defying all odds to win their first game.
What happened: Lautoka started on a high note however Labasa’s Ilisoni Logaivau scored in the 15th minute.
Labasa missed a golden chance with a penalty being awarded in the 44th minute.
It was a moment of anguish for Labasa fans as Lautoka’s goalkeeper Beniaminio Mateinaqara stopped Ilisoni Logaivau’s penalty. Lautoka was provided with an excellent opportunity to equalize in the early minutes of second half however was unable to. Benjamin Totori took a free kick outside Labasa’s box and it just went inches above the bar. Lautoka applied pressure and was disallowed a goal in the 55th minute.
Labasa featured players such as Taniela Waqa, Thomas Steiner, Lekima Gonerau, Ilisoni Logaivau and Jale Dreloa.
Halftime: Labasa 1 –0 Lautoka Big Play: Labasa’s goalkeeper Shaneel Naidu made incredible saves.
Comments: Labasa coach Anand Sami said, “It was a tough match and we had to work out some formation.”
Lautoka coach Kamal Swamy said,
Labasa capitalized on the opportunity and did well.”
It was a moment of anguish for Labasa fans as Lautoka’s goalkeeper Beniaminio Mateinaqara stopped Ilisoni Logaivau’s penalty.