The Ba women’s football side has retained the Vodafone Women’s Inter-District Championship title after beating Labasa 2-1 in the final at ANZ Stadium in Suva on Monday.
Captain Koleta Likuculacula was the star for the Women-in Black scoring two goals.
It was a thrilling final as both teams started the match with high tempo with Labasa pressuring the Ba defense in the first quarter of the match.It was cut short after a counter attack from the defending champions saw captain Koleta Likuculacula scoring the opener in the 19th minute of play. This, after she followed a cross from Cema Nasau from the right flank which she neatly finished to give joy to the Ba fans.
Despite 1-0 down Labasa continued its momentum but good defense by the opposition kept the scores 1-0 in favor of Ba at halftime break.
The Safetech Electrical Services sponsored Labasa side came out firing in the second half and got the equalizer in the 58th minute with an own goal by goalkeeper Adi Ateca Tuwai after she tried to stop a powerful cross from midfielder Shayal Sindhika which slipped from her hand to send the Labasa fans into frenzy.
The match was forced into extra time after both teams were locked 1-1 at fulltime.
Ba started the first spell of the extra time with more power and attack on Labasa defense which saw in the dying stage Likuculacula heading the winner again with a cross from left flank by Nasau which stunned the Labasa fans.
Labasa coach Arthur Simmons said they lost to a better team.
“Hats off to Ba for a deserved win and also to my players for playing their hearts out in the tournament,”
Simmons said it was a painful ending but he was proud to reach the final once again this year.
“Our aim was to win the title this year after failing last year but we cannot blame anyone but we will regroup from here and will come out more prepared for the Champion vs Champion series in December, “said Simmons.
Likuculacula said it was a mission accomplished for them.
“First of all I would like to thank the man above for giving us strength to fight till the final whistle,”
The national rep said it was all a team work that brought success for the side.
“I thank all the players, coaches, officials and fans for their support, hardwork and dedication which was the strength for us to defend the title,” said Likuculacula.
Labasa won 3-1 against Suva in the first semi-final while Ba defeated Rewa 1-0 to qualify for final.
Ba walked away $4000 richer while Labasa received $1500. Suva finished third and received $700 while Rewa walked with $300 after finishing fourth in the tournament.
