“Our first loss was a big slap to our face and the players were reminded that they can perform and do the job. We’ve made a comeback,” he said.
Sairusi Nalauba and Epelio Leiroti of Lautoka celebrate his fourth goal against Rewa during BOG semi final at HFC Bank Stadium on August 3; 2024 . Photo: Ronald Kumar.
The Lautoka football team has added the Battle of the Giants title to their trophy cabinet after beating Nadi 2-0 in the final at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium yesterday.
The Blues earlier this year won the Digicel Fiji FACT title and has now added the B.O.G while the Digicel Fiji Premier League competition is still going on and the Interdistrict Championship (IDC) in October.
Lautoka Football Association president Shalendra Prasad told SUNsports that they had lost to Nadi in their group opening match.
“Our first loss was a big slap to our face and the players were reminded that they can perform and do the job. We’ve made a comeback,” he said.
“We wanted to win the B.O.G trophy after we had won the Digicel Fiji FACT tournament a few months ago.”
Prasad said they have high hopes of winning the IDC tournament since they are hosting it.
“The players knew what role to play in the final as they tried their best to break Nadi’s solid defence. We congratulate Nadi for reaching the final but our coaching staff has done a wonderful job in winning the tournament.”
Nadi coach Raj Dayal said his side could not execute their finishing well.
“The ground conditions were slippery and ball movements were not properly executed by our players.”
Nadi collected $5000 for coming second while Lautoka received $17,000.
Playing under wet conditions, both teams were cautious in their approach as they remained 0-0 at halftime.
Lautoka drew first blood through a penalty converted by star striker Saula Waqa in the 65th minute. With continuous rain the match became scrappy. In the 74th minute Nadi striker Siotame Kubu was yellow carded for foul play.
Lautoka kept on the pressure and in the 80th minute Waqa sent a well-placed through ball that found an unmarked Sairusi Nalaubu who rifled in their second goal.
Nadi came back strongly but the Lautoka defence led by right back Sterling Vasconcellos was able to contain them.
Rewa Masters triumph
Meanwhile, Rewa Masters scored a 1-0 win over Nadi Masters to clinch the International Veterans tournament over 40s division final at the HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, yesterday. Rewa’s winning goal was scored in the second half by Nithan Kumar.
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