Dreketi goal keeper Petero Namoce caught the ball away from Labasa players during the Vodafone Premier League at Subrail Park on February 17. Photo:Shratika Naidu
The Labasa football side recorded their first win in this year’s Vodafone Premier League when they beat neighbours Dreketi 3-1 at Subrail Park yesterday. The Babasiga Lions bounced back after a disappointing 2-1 loss to Nadi.
What happened: Playing under slippery conditions both teams took time to settle down. The hosts settled down first and striker Anare Apenisa struck in the 28th minute when he drove the ball past Dreketi goalkeeper Petero Namoce for the first goal.
Halftime: Labasa 1-0 Dreketi
Dreketi were all fired-up at the start of the second half as they dominated play. In the 50th minute Dreketi striker Anish Khem fired in the equaliser as they silenced the Labasa fans. With the match tied at 1-1 Dreketi had Labasa defenders working overtime.
A tactical move by Labasa coach Bal Sanju Reddy saw veteran midfielder Pita Levaci (formerly known as Bolaitoga) taking the field to control play.
He combined well with veteran defender Taniela Waqa who in the 66th minute slammed in their second goal. Leading 2-1, Labasa threw everything into the game and in the 77th minute Apenisa slotted in his second goal to extend their lead to 3-1.
Star turn: Levaci’s introduction in the second spell turned the game around. He used his experience to control the midfield and this allowed Labasa to hit back with two quick goals.
Comments: Labasa coach Bal Sanju Reddy said:
“There were many goal scoring opportunity but when we couldn’t score frustration started to come in. This affected our play as well as the slippery ground conditions.”
Dreketi coach Ronil Lal said: “I had three players on the bench. Anish Khem and Petero Namoce joined us this week but we need to work on our fitness but so far I’m happy with the way the players played.”
Line-up:
Dreketi- Petero Namoce, Sisa Valesua, Shoel Khan, Krishneel Krishna, Mohammed Yaseen, Joseva Bolakivei, Akeimi Ralulu, Inia Vaitaukula, Anish Khem, Shamal Lal, Salasa Junior, Daniel Dass, Thomas Vulivuli, Vilikesa Sowani.
Labasa- Akuila Mateisuva, Iliesa Lino, Iliasa Nayasi, Thomas Steiner, Edwin Sahayam, Lekima Gonerau, Ashnil Raju, Ajesh Narayan, Ilisoni Lolaivalu, Ratu Anare Apenisa, Jale Dreloa, Ilisoni Longaivau, Antonio Tuivuna, Pita Levaci, Ravikash Krishna, Sitiveni Rakai, Mohammed Waseem, Taniela Waqa
Edited by Leone Cabenatabua
Feedback: shratikan@fijisun.com.fj
