Rakiraki FC emerged victorious in a nail-biting 8-7 penalty shootout win against Dreketi FC to claim the Senior Division title at the FMF Inter-District Championship (IDC) at Churchill Park, Lautoka.
After a scoreless draw in regulation and extra time, the match was decided through a dramatic shootout.
All players took part in the initial round of penalties, but it was Rakiraki’s sweeper-turned-goalkeeper, Krishneel Raju, who made the decisive save in the second round, stopping Dreketi’s Shivnesh Sami to secure the victory. Raju, who had previously played as a goalkeeper, credited the trust of his teammates and expressed pride in the team’s achievement, marking Rakiraki’s first IDC win since 2016.
The win earned Rakiraki a $3,500 prize, a trophy, and medals, while Dreketi received $1,500 as the runners-up.
The scorers for Rakiraki included Viliame Ubaqa, Sandeep Ram, Ganeshwar Raju, Avinesh Reddy, Krishneel Raju, Asaeli Cokula, and Sanjeev Raman. Dreketi’s successful penalty takers were Sailasa Vosaicaki, Shivnesh Sami, Waisale Mainalutu, Semi Yauraki, Saimone Mataqeledra, Kiniviliame Koroibuleka, and Ratu Wawatabua.
