The Ba U19 Youth side has retained the 2020 Vodafone U19 Youth League title after a 1-0 win against Rewa in the final match on Sunday at Fiji FA Academy Ground in Vatuwaqa.
Faazil Faizal Ali was the hero for the side after he headed the winning goal in the dying seconds of the game.
Ba received a free-kick just outside the penalty box which was taken by Mohammed Jamil and neatly headed by Ali which stunned Rewa fans.
It was a nail-biting match as both teams displayed constructive and entertaining football with both teams having equal opportunities in the match.
The Boys in Black after a 4-3 win against Labasa needed a win as Rewa had more goal difference after beating Labasa 5-0 and the Baby Tigers just needed a draw but things turned around in the last seconds of match.
Ba coach Timoci Seru was in tears after the final whistle and said the win meant a lot.
“It means everything for the boys, the sacrifice and commitment they gave paid off in the last seconds,” said Seru
“Rewa was the favorite side to win the title after an impressive performance and 5-0 win against Labasa and we managed to win 4-3 against the Baby Babasiqa Lions,”
“After our game against Labasa, I went to the camp and talked to the boys that this was not the way we play, this is not Ba youth so we ironed out our mistakes and finally we came out victors.”
The Ba school teacher said it was proud moment of all Ba fans.
“This is the real Ba side because the game we played against the favorites showed that our players have guts to fight till the final whistle,”
“We played from the first to the last whistle and this what we believe in with fighting spirit we can achieve anything, “said Seru
Seru admitted the Baby Tigers gave them a tough challenge but his message at the half time break to the boys was fruitful,
“I said to the boys that some of you are playing your last game in the youth and to give your best to district, love the jersey you wearing, talk to your heart, talk to your mind and the rest 45 minutes is yours but the boys fought more than that,” said Seru
He dedicated the win to all the fans and said this was their future team.
“I dedicated this victory to all Ba fans, officials, parents and families,”
“This is a wonderful gift for Valentine’s Day for me and the boys and their families, “said Seru
Rewa coach Rodick Singh said it was a hard to accept the loss.
“But whatever happened we have to accept it but hats to my boys for the gallant performance,”
“It was just a slip of concentration that caused us but I am proud of my boys as we had some U16 players while Ba has four district reps,”
Singh praised his players for the hard work and admitted it was not their day.
“Well the players played their heart out, played well and kept the game plan but it was not our day as the goal was scored in the last seconds which showed Ba was lucky to retain the title.
“I congratulate Ba for making it back to back title win,” said Singh.
Ba walked away with $4000 while Rewa received $1500 in prizemoney.
