The stage is all set for the semi-finals and finals of the 2019 INKK Mobile Battle of the Giants Tournament at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
The first semi-final will kick off at 6.30pm between Labasa and All Basic Supplies Nasinu this Saturday.
Labasa is coached by school teacher Roneel Lal and are beaten in the Group stages. The Babasiqa Lions held start studded Suva side to a nil-all draw and in the second match they outclassed defending champions Ba 2-0 while their last pool match against Tavua ended in 2-0 in favour of Labasa.
The Babasiga Lions ended their campaign in group competition with seven points and have not conceded a goal so far in the tournament.
It has been a jinx to the Labasa side with a drought of 22 years in winning the BOG title. They have played in seven finals and 2016 was their last BOG final where they lost 2-0 in extra time against Lautoka in Nausori.
The task is on the players to go out and get the job done as the Labasa fans await a BOG title which evaded them since 1997.
The Babasiqa Lions Labasa side will be eyeing a strong outing against Nasinu,
Labasa is well known for their fast paced, entertaining football which they have displayed over the years. Labasa is no doubt a team to reckon at this year’s INKK Mobile Battle of the Giants with capable players.
Nasinu surprised many football fans after going down 0-4 against Lautoka in the opening match and held star studded Rewa side to a one-all draw. They proved they are the real Giant Killers when they defeated Vodafone Fiji FACT Champions Nadi 1-0 in their final pool match.
Coached by former Nasinu and national goalkeeper Tagi Vonolagi Nasinu will fight to win its first BOG title while Labasa will be out to end its 22-year drought of winning the Battle of the Giants Tournament.
The young Nasinu side will be on their toes as they did against Nadi and Rewa after going down against Lautoka
The Giant Killers as they are tagged as were unlucky on two occasions when they lost in the finals. They first featured in the BOG final in 1989 when they lost 0-1 against Nadroga at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori and at the same venue in 1991 they lost 4-5 in penalty against Nadroga
They were unlucky at the 2019 Vodafone Fiji FACT held at Churchill Park in Lautoka where despite not winning the tournament they turned out to be the best and crowd favorite during the pool stages after upsetting top guns but were unlucky to fall short of a semi-final berth.
The team under the leadership of hardworking president Lal O’Neil Chand will no doubt will be a team to watch during semi-finals after their courageous performance in the Group stages.
Fans can expect a thrilling semi-final between the two sides come Saturday as both teams have prepared well for the match.
Labasa will rely on the experience of goalkeeper Akuila Mataisuva, defenders Taniela Waqa,Iliasa Lino, Antonio Tuivuna, Ilisoni Lolaivalu,Akeimi Ralulu, Iliasa Nayasi, midfielders Ilisoni Logavou and Ashneel Raju with strikers Ravinesh Karan Singh, Naplioni Qasavakatini, Siotama Kubu and Solomon Islander Dennis Ifunaga.
Nasinu will bank on goalkeeper– Josaia Ratu, defenders Arami Manumanubai,Mansa Usaia Tadu, Asaeli Tunidau, Leone Damudamu, Sekove Navakananumi, midfielders Gibson Hiulaungia, Isikeli Ratucava, Jone Naraba, Leisari Qalica, Luke Savu ,Mitieli Namuka strikers Nasoni Mereke and Joseph Mishra
