Labasa Bounce Back To Qualify
The 4R Electrical Labasa football team forced its way back to top Group A in the Digicel Fiji FACT tournament.
Tuesday 31 May 2022 | 17:02
RC Manubhai Ba striker Saula Waqa lifts his hands after scoring a goal in their clash against Nasinu in the Digicel Fiji FACT at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, on May 29, 2022. Ba won 6-1 and qualified for the Digicel Fiji FACT semifinal against 4R Electrical Labasa on Saturday. Photo: Fiji FA Media
The 4R Electrical Labasa football team forced its way back to top Group A in the Digicel Fiji FACT tournament.
The Babasiga Lions will play RC Manubhai Ba in the first semifinal at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, on Saturday.
Defending FACT champions Ram Cleaning Services/ All Freight Logistics Suva take on Baker’s Fresh Lautoka in the second semifinal.
Labasa only needed a draw against All in One Builders Nadi in their final group match on Sunday night.
However, the Ravnil Pratap-coached side came out firing and took a 1-0 lead at halftime from a Ratu Anare strike.
They maintained the momentum in the second half and extended their lead in the 68th minute when Siotame Kubu scored, for a 2-0 win.
Hosts Cambridge Farms Limited Nadroga were denied a semifinal spot after Suva scored a late equaliser to grab a 2-2 draw.
The Stallions took a 1-0 lead in the 56th minute from a Abdul Farid goal but Suva levelled the scores at 1-1 in the 62nd minute through Azariah Soromon.
Nadroga hit the front again in the 64th minute when Taniela Raubula slotted in a classic goal.
With hopes high of a semifinal spot, Nadroga’s hopes was dashed in the 89th minute from a Malakai Rakula sizzler. The draw enabled Ba to qualify after they scored a big 6-1 win over Nasinu.
The first semifinal gets underway at 2.30pm followed by the second semifinal at 5pm.
