In a thrilling finale to the 2025 BiC Fiji FACT, Extra Supermarket Labasa FC were crowned champions after overcoming Ajay Trading Rewa FC 3-1 in a dramatic penalty shootout at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
The match, which ended 1-1 after 120 minutes of tense, hard-fought football, saw the Babasiga Lions emerge victorious in front of a passionate crowd, lifting their fifth Fiji FACT title.
Labasa started the brighter of the two teams, showing composure and control despite the heat and pressure of a grand final. Their dominance paid off in the 35th minute, when striker Melvin Mani found space just outside the box and calmly slotted the ball past Rewa’s goalkeeper to give Labasa a deserved 1-0 lead.
Rewa responded with urgency, but Labasa’s defense, led by veteran Taniela Waqa, held firm heading into halftime.
The Delta Tigers came out with renewed energy in the second half, pushing higher up the field and dominating possession. Their persistence was rewarded in the 77th minute, when talismanic forward Iosefo Verevou equalised with a clinical finish to bring the Delta Tigers back into the contest.
Moments later, Labasa suffered a major blow when experienced defender Taniela Waqa received a straight red card for a rash challenge, reducing the Northern side to 10 men with over 10 minutes left in regular time.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Labasa remained compact and disciplined, taking the match into extra time.
Extra time saw Rewa push hard for a winner, but Labasa, with a man down, showcased incredible heart and resilience. Goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau made a crucial save in the 114th minute to deny Rewa a dramatic late winner.
Neither side could find the breakthrough, and the match headed to a penalty shootout to determine the 2025 Fiji FACT champions.
In the shootout, Labasa kept their composure and buried three of their spot-kicks, while Rewa faltered under pressure. Tamanisau emerged as the hero, saving two penalties and setting off wild celebrations as the Babasiga Lions won the shootout 3-1.
Labasa’s triumph is a testament to their fighting spirit and tactical discipline under pressure. Head coach Alvin Chand praised his team’s character, especially after going down to 10 men.
“We knew we had to fight for every inch after the red card. These boys gave it everything. This win is for the fans and the entire Labasa community,” said Lal.
The victory marks Labasa FC’s fifth BiC Fiji FACT title, adding to their proud legacy in Fijian football.
