Trouble erupted when Labasa TIV Sangam football team overcame a tough Malolo side 3-1 in the Sangam Convention super premier quarterfinal clash at Subrail Park, Labasa yesterday. Police had to be called in to control the situation as tempers flared among the fans.

But it was stylish midfielder Edwin Sahayam who was the toast of the Labasa side as they fought back from a 1-0 deficit to book a semi-final spot.

Malolo took an early 1-0 lead from a Melvin Krishna strike.  Backed by their vocal fans, Labasa TIV applied pressure in the second spell and Sahayam headed in their equaliser. The score remained at 1-1 at full time.

In the two extra 10-minute spells, the hosts gave their all with Ravikash Krishna putting them ahead 2-1. Malolo tried hard to score the equaliser but all their hopes were dashed when Sahayam smacked in their third goal from a freekick.

Former Labasa football coach Bal Sanju Reddy said it was a tough battle.

“When I realised that our players were missing goal scoring opportunities because of the pressure from the crowd I changed their style of the play,” Reddy said.

A jubilant Sahayam said the support of the home fans motivated him to give his best.

“I’m always proud whenever I wear the Labasa jersey. I always challenge myself to give my best. I’m happy that I was able to seal a win for my team and I also thank God for his blessings.”

Malolo coach Ashneel Kumar said his players had given their best.

“It was unfortunate that we couldn’t achieve what we wanted but we are satisfied with the result.”

DAY 3 RESULTS

Super Premier- (Quarterfinals) Rifle Range 2-1 Suva, Nadi 2-1 Navua, Ba 2-0 Hamilton, Labasa 3-1 Malolo. Premier Division (Semifinals) Rewa 1-0 Namaka

WHAT’S ON TODAY

Super Premier League

7.30am Rifle Range v Nadi

8.40am Labasa v Ba

Premier Semi-final

9:50am Raviravi/Tavarau v Nasinu