Lautoka Honour Fallen Footballer in CvC Win

The Sitiveni Cavuilagi cap­tained- Aroma Tiger Cafe Lautoka football side dedicated their Pil­lay Garments Champion versus Champion title win to the late LarioMusa.

Musa, a former Tavua star de­fender, is the father of Lautoka central midfielder Ilimotama Jese.

Musa was buried in Tavua last Friday.

Jese played a key role yesterday for the Blues in their 2-2 draw against Ba in the return clash at Churchill Park, Lautoka, before a jam-packed crowd.

Cavuilagi said the achievement was a team effort.

"This win sets the pace for the remainder of the season with the OFC Champion League play-off next on the list," he said.

"We dedicate this win to Jese's dad and our fans."

This is the Blues third CvC title win since the tournament's incep­tion in 1992.

Lautoka won in 2009 and 2017, re­spectively.

Lautoka coach Babs Khan said it was time to celebrate.

"We will take this win and cel­ebrate and back to action on Mon­day," he said.

"We knew that Ba plays the full 90 minutes and I praise my boys for sticking to the plan."

Solomon Islander Darold Kakasi put Ba in the lead with a well struck goal in the 30th minute.  Their joy was short-lived when striker Sairusi Nalaubu equalised with a thundering header from a Muni Shivam Reddy cornerkick.

Halftime: Lautoka 1-1 Ba.

Aroma Tigers Cafe Lautoka football players, officials and supporters after claiming the Pillay Garments Champion versus Champion Series title at Churchill Park, Lautoka, on February 4, 2024.

Cavuilagi put Lautoka ahead with their second goal in the 64th minute.

Towards the end of the match, Ba striker Nabil Begg was brought down by Aporosa Yada inside the penalty box.

Suli Tawanakoro wasted no time and slammed the ball past Lau­toka goalkeeper Ben Mateinaqara.

Ba coach Sunil Kumar said they made a late comeback.

"Lautoka took their chances and was more aggressive," he added.

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