Waqanicakau stars in Ba’s win
The Ba football side found their form as they fought back to beat Labasa 2-1 in their Vodafone Premier League clash. Playing in front of their fans at the Fiji FA Academy ground, Ba were under pressure after losing to Nasinu and Nadi. The young Ba team kept pressuring the Labasa defence until it opened up for them late in the game to score twice.
What happened: The visitors started strongly and had the lead in the 18th minute with striker Siotame Kubu slotted in the opening goal.
The Babasiga Lions dominated the first half and it seemed that Ba were heading for their third consecutive defeat.
Halftime: Ba 0-1 Labasa.
But it was not to be as the hosts settled down and began playing their game.
A lapse of concentration by the Labasa defence saw lanky Ba striker Saula Waqanicakau drove in their equaliser in the 80th minute.
This sparked the Ba side as they pressured the Labasa defence and in the 84th minute Waqanicakau scored their second goal.
The visitors tried to grab a point but failed to score the equaliser right in the 90th minute.
Comments: Labasa coach Ronil Lal said: We lost our concentration, we should’ve held the ball and play outside but we tried to play inside where it was already crowded.
“I told the boys that Ba will come firing in the second half and that’s what they did.”
Ba’s team manager, Ranveer Singh said: “We came with a game plan and have done well in this game.
“We are also happy with these young boys coming into shape and fitting into our style of play.”