Late equaliser keeps Labasa's title hopes alive

Labasa kept its Extra Premier League (EPL) title hopes alive with a spirited second-half comeback to earn a draw against Suva at Subrail Park last Saturday.

Midfielder Melvin Mani scored the equaliser in the closing stages after Suva had twice taken the lead, ensuring the Babasiga Lions remained on course in the title race.

The result leaves Labasa on 29 points and firmly inside the league's top two.

Coach Alvin Chand said he expected a tough contest from Suva and praised his players for fighting back.

"We wanted to win, but I'm proud of the boys for showing character and earning a point," Chand said.

"When Suva scored the second goal, the boys knew they had to score next to stay in the race for the league title. We did not want the title to slip away."

Chand said the unpredictable nature of this season's competition meant the title race would likely go down to the final rounds.

"The league is very unpredictable this season. Week in and week out, either we are leading or Ba, so it will go down to the wire."

He said Rewa also remained a genuine title contender.

Chand said his side needed to improve its decision-making in the final third before its next match against Navua.

Professional striker Christopher Wasasala was left out of the starting line-up because of a niggling injury.

"Wasasala required more time to recover, so we decided to rest him," Chand said.

Suva striker Siotame Kubu starred for the visitors with a brace, while Mani was influential in Labasa's attack, creating chances and delivering dangerous crosses throughout the match.

Labasa's other goal came from Jovesa Uqe.

Suva coach Pita Rabo said he was pleased to leave Subrail Park with a point.

"Getting a draw against Labasa at Subrail Park is never easy," Rabo said.

He said Suva adopted a compact defensive approach to limit Labasa's attacking threat, particularly on the flanks.

"The size of the field suited our game plan."

Rabo said the team's late arrival in Labasa had affected preparations.

"We reached our camp at around 11pm, so fatigue played a part, but we're delighted with the draw."

He also praised his goalkeeper, who is based in Labasa, for making several key saves to secure the point.