Labasa College, Kamil In Today’s U19 Final

A tough battle looms when Kamil Muslim College and Labasa College play in this evening’s Digicel Fiji Secondary Schools Football Association Under-19 final. 

Kamil Muslim played a good defensive game in the 1-0 win over Xavier College. 

They kept possession and this contributed to their upset win over the defending champions. 

KC coach, Mohammed Asif Khan, said they had a plan to contain XC and the manner in which his players kept them at bay was commendable. 

Khan said they want to take the title back to Ba and give their fans something to cheer about. 

“This is history for us, as we reach the final for the second time after winning the title in 2015,” he said. 

“We need to keep a low profile and show our talent on the ground and prove our critics wrong.” 

Tavua College gracious in defeat 

Meanwhile, Labasa College coach, Ronil Ram, was relieved that they sustained two extra time games against quality opposition sides. 

This time the hosts beat Tavua College 5-4 on penalty kicks in the semifinal. 

Ram said they used Labasa district rep, Shivam Shandil, to good effect by managing the midfield area to create opportunities upfront. 

“I told my players at half-time, that we do not just represent Labasa College, but, we represent Labasa and the entire schools of Vanua Levu and the Northern Division, so this kept them fired,” he said. 

Ram requested all Labasa fans to come in numbers and support the side in the final. 

“We will go back and map a plan to contain Kamil and we will do a game analysis,” 

National Under-20 rep, Sailosi Tawake scored the winning penalty goal for LC. 

Tavua coach, Ranit Singh, said they lost on penalty kicks and was happy with the way the players bounced back to equalise in the second half. 

Singh said the player (Rahil) that missed the penalty kick is a quality kicker but the pressure got to him. 

“We will come out better prepared next year to challenge for the title”. 

 When asked about the Labasa hospitality, Singh said it was his first trip and enjoyed every moment spent and the friendly nature of the people.

The U19 final kicks-off at 5.30pm. 

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