12 January, 2026, 5:20 am Central - 22°C Rain

Northpole Lions defeat Ray United FC 3-2 to keep title defence alive

Northpole Lions defeat Ray United FC 3-2 to keep title defence alive

By Priya Nand
12/12/2025
Photo: Fiji Football Association
Defending champions Northpole Lions FC kept their title hopes alive with a hard-fought 3–2 comeback win over Ray United FC in Group B of the Dayal’s Sawmillers National Club Championship at the Fiji FA Academy in Vatuwaqa.
The two sides went into half-time level at 1–1.
Ray United took control early in the second half through a brace from Usman Omede, but the Babasiga Lions responded strongly.
Melvin Mani pulled one back with a brilliant free-kick before Ilisoni Lolaivalu sealed the win with a calm finish.
The result puts Northpole in a strong position ahead of their final group match tomorrow against Rewa’s Combine Verata FC at 2 pm, where they need only a draw to reach Sunday’s grand final.
In Group A, Ba’s 4R FC claimed a comfortable 3–0 victory over Nasinu’s Friends United FC.
Kini Madigi scored twice, while Moses Alemoh added another goal in a dominant display.
Friends United bow out with two losses, while 4R FC now prepare to face Suva’s Pacific Specialist Healthcare/Narere Buses Combine Brothers tomorrow at 12 pm.
The final will be held at 1 pm on Sunday.
FNRL
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