Labasa in final
DEFENDING champion Labasa’s bid for back to back titles is still alive after they beat Rewa 1-0 to progress to the final at the ANZ Stadium yesterday.
Coach Ronil Lal said the win was an emotional one.
“We had been written off after our loss in the first round, but our players have shown their character and resolve to come this far,” Lal said.
“Rewa was not easy, and they came hard at the start, but our players showed they were in it and pulled off the win and I congratulate them.”
Lal said playing Lautoka in the final would not be easy.
“They have proven to be a very good side and under one of the best coaches in Fiji.
“It won’t be easy and we will prepare for them and be ready to counter their football.”
Tevita Waranaivalu and Setareki Hughes combined in the midfield as they looked to put Rewa on the scoreboard.
Labasa goalkeeper Akuila Mataisuva
was kept on his toes numerous time as the Delta Tigers attack barraged the goal mouth.
Ratu Anare scored the winner for Labasa when he lobbed the ball over Simione Tamanisau to send the Babasiga Lions to the grand final.
Labasa: 1.Akuila Mataisuva 2.Lino Iliesa 7.Atonio Tuivuna 8.Vikranth Chandra 9.Siotame Kubu 11.Ilisoni Lolaivalu 12.Ashnil Raju 13.Ratu Apenisa Anare 14.Akeimi Ralulu 19.Taniela Waqa 21.Ilisoni Logaivau. Subs: 22.Mohammed Alam 3.Taniela Rakariva 5.Melvin Mani 6.Nemani Dolodai 10.Abishek Deo 15.Rohan Nath 16.Rajiv Stephen Sharma 18.Ilaisa Vulimainavuso 20.Kirtesh Prasad
Rewa: 1.Simione Tamanisau 4.Inoke Turagalailai 5.Patrick Joseph 7.Anish Khem 8.Setareki Hughes 9.Bruce Hughes 10.Gabrielle Cabenalawa 12.Tevita Waranaivalu 13.Epeli Valevou 15.Waisake Navunigasau 21.Josateki Taumudu. Subs: 22.Senirusi Bokini 3.Usaia Tadu 6.Mohammed Khan 11.Misaele Draunibaka 14.Shavnil Prasad 16.Kavaia Waqa 17.Koalisito Posiano 18.Ratu Naliva 19.Mohammed Naizal 20.France Catarogo