Lautoka wins IDC after beating Ba in penalty shootout

Lautoka substitute goalkeeper Senirusi Bokini was the hero for the side as he saved two penalties for the team as they beat Ba 5-4 on penalties in the final of the Courts IDC.

Beniamino Matainaqara was the goalkeeper for the first two penalties but was substituted after he suffered an injury.

Lautoka players celebrate with goalkeeper Sairusi Bokini [Photo: Fiji Football]

Bokini saved penalties from Malakai Rakula and Meli Codro.

Bokini says he wanted to save the penalties and made a request to the coach.

Lautoka coach Kamal Swamy says Bokini had some disciplinary issues in the year but he has made a great comeback.

Lautoka’s penalties were scored by Zibraaz Sahib, Josefata Dugucagi, Dave Radrigai and Christopher Wasasala.

Zibraaz Saheb celebrate with Dave Radrigai after scoring the first goal for Lautoka [Photo: Fiji Football]

The Blues have won $22,000 in prize money.

Lautoka’s Ilaitia Tuilau was red carded in the early minutes of the first half for a dangerous foul on Ba’s Samuela Nabenia while Ba’s Laisenia Raura was red carded for a bad foul on Lautoka’s Dave Radrigai.   

Ba’s Saula Waqa was red carded in the second half of extra time.

Lautoka led 1-0 at halftime when Zibraaz Sahib scored from a penalty after Samuela Drudru was fouled by Meli Codro.

Zibraaz Saheb celebrates after scoring the first goal for Lautoka [Photo: Fiji Football]

Lautoka was the better team in the first half.

In the second half, Ba dominated the early exchanges and a brilliant cross by Meli Codro was met with a Abbu Zahid header who made no mistakes as he equalized for the Men in Black.

Abbu Zahid heads in the equalizer [left] as Junior Narendra Rao celebrate with him [Photo: Fiji Football]

Both teams had chances to score in the normal time but they failed to capitalize on their chances.

The match was played at a frantic pace as the two old rivals of Fiji Football played gallantly in front of about 9,000 fans at Churchill Park. 

About 9,000 fans witnessed the IDC final at Churchill Park [Photo: Fiji Football]