Christopher Wasasala struck in the 90th minute to secure a dramatic 2–1 victory for Labasa over Suva in the FMF Inter-District Championship at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Labasa took the lead in the 22nd minute before Suva responded five minutes later, with Andrew Naicker finding the equaliser in the 27th minute.
The teams went into halftime locked at 1-all.
Both sides created opportunities in the second half, but neither could find the decisive goal as the match appeared destined to end in a draw.
However, Labasa continued to push forward and were rewarded in the dying moments when Wasasala found the back of the net in the 90th minute.
The late goal sparked celebrations from the Labasa camp and sealed three valuable points for the side.
Suva pushed for an equaliser in stoppage time, but Labasa held firm to secure the 2–1 win.
The victory gives Labasa an important boost ahead of their match against Rewa today.
Labasa coach Jerry Sam says he is pleased with his team’s performance.
Sam says his instructions to the players were clear, to control the game and score early.
Sam is also calling on Labasa fans to turn up in numbers today.
In other matches of Day 1, defending champions Stratum/Lincoln Rewa thrashed Nasinu 5-0, Vantex Solution Navua defeated Pacific Heavy Industries Nadi 3-0, while Dayal’s Steel Ba edged Khelvin Realtors Lautoka 2-1.
The results mean Rewa and Labasa have three points each in Group A while Navua and Ba have three points each in Group B.
In today’s matches, Nadi will play Lautoka at 1.30pm, Suva will face Nasinu at 3.30pm, Ba will play Navua at 5.30pm, while Labasa will face Rewa at 7.30pm.
