Champion Ba beats Labasa, sends warning
BA survived an early scare from Labasa to finish top of the pool beating them 5-2 during their Vodafone Women's IDC group B decider at the ANZ Stadium yesterday.
Ba midfielder and Fiji Football women’s team captain Luisa Tamanitoakula said playing Labasa was not easy.
She said they were happy to end their pool games undefeated.
“There is always fireworks when we play Labasa and they were never going to give the game easily,” Tamanitoakula said.
“Trailing 2-1 at the break, we just kept motivating each other and we knew we have the capability to hit back.”
Tamanitoakula said they now looked forward to a good rest before the semi-finals tomorrow.
“Fatigue has started to creep in and we will make use of the break ahead before taking on Suva or Rewa in the semi-final.”
Labasa rattled the black defence early with a free kick outside the box from defender Shayal
Sindhika found its mark for an early 1-0 lead five minutes in.
Labasa extended its lead in the 42nd minute when striker Kinisimere Suga found herself in open country beating the last defender for an easy lob over goalkeeper Adi Tuwai for their second goal.
Ba managed a slight reprieve before the break through midfielder Tamanitoakula from the penalty spot to end the first half with the northerners holding a 2-1 lead.
Ba captain Koleta Likuculacula equalised three minutes into the fray as the Babasiga team’s defence took long to find its rhythm.
Goal scoring machine Cema Nasau scored two more goals in the 70th and 79th minute.
Likuculacula cemented the win with her second and final goal in the 89th minute.
Ba takes on Rewa in the second semi-final at 1pm tomorrow at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.
Teams: Ba FC: 1.Adi Tuwai 2.Louisa Simmons 3.Evivi Buka 5.Cecelia Nainima 6.Cema Nasau 7.Koleta Likuculacula 8.Alza Hussein 9.Veniana Ranadi 12.Sainiana Niubalavu 15.Lusiana Lagilevu 18.Laca Tikosaya substitutes: 4.Asela Cokanasiga 11.Amelia Madigi 13.Lavenia Nairoqo 14.Narieta Leba 16.Sereana Naweni 19.Ria Naresh 20.Batui Livia 21.Mereseini Waqali 22.Mereseini Tuinivono
Labasa FC: 22.Sulia Qalolo 1.Anaseini Maucuna 2.Selai Nai 3.Shayal Sindhika 10.Stella Naivalulevu 11.Jotivini Tabua 12.Adi Anasimeci Volitikoro 13.Kinisimere Suga 15.Wainitiki Vosadrau 20.Miriama Cakau 21.Laite Matebalavu substitutes: 4.Sonia Alfred 5.Vasemaca Vakabogi 6.Adi Vulitikoro 7.Mere Dimoi 8.Asenaca Diranuve 9.Vitorina Veikoso 14.Unaisi Tuberi 17.Viniana Simmons 18.Raewynne Simmons 19.Vitalina Naikore