Ratu Anare Apenisa was the hero for Labasa as they successfully defended the Courts IDC title after beating Lautoka 2-1 in the final at the ANZ Stadium.
Both teams were locked 0-0 at the break before Zibraaz Sahib gave Lautoka the lead from the penalty spot after Labasa goalkeeper Akuila Mataisuva fouled Dave Radrigai in the box.
Labasa equalized in the 59th minute through Ilisoni Lolaivalu before Ratu Anare headed in the winner in the 77th minute.
Ratu Anare who also scored the winner when Labasa won the IDC back in 2016 has dedicated the win to his loved ones back home.
The former Labasa College student says he had told the players not to lose hope after going behind in the second half.
It the first time Labasa has successfully defended a major title.
This was also the first time in 47 years that Labasa and Lautoka have played in the IDC final with Lautoka winning the last encounter way back in 1973.
Full time
90' - Labasa 2 Lautoka 1
32' - Goal by Ratu Anare Apenisa. Labasa 2 - Lautoka 1 .
30' - Labasa 1 Lautoka 1. The pace of the match has picked up after the Labasa equalizer.
22' - Ilisoni Lolaivalu of Labasa levels the scores with a goal
7' - Zibraaz Sahib scores the penalty for Lautoka . Lautoka 1- Labasa 0.
Half Time
Lautoka 0 Labasa 0
First Half
35' - Labasa’s Siotame Kubu down injured after a foul by Lautoka’s Epeli Leiroti. Labasa 0 vs Lautoka 0
25' - Labasa 0 Lautoka 0
15' - Lautoka 0 Labasa 0. Labasa having the better of the possession.
3' - Lautoka goalkeeper Viliame Tabucala saves a one on one shot from Labasa’s Siotame Kubu.
