Labasa’s futsal team faced a challenging and educational experience during the semi-finals of the Extra Futsal Inter-District Championship against Tailevu Naitasiri at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. In a tightly contested match, Labasa narrowly lost 4-3, despite showcasing their determination and skill on the court.
The game commenced positively for Labasa as Ashnil Kumar Raju scored within just two minutes, initiating an early lead. However, Tailevu Naitasiri quickly bounced back, leveling the score before taking a 2-1 lead with goals from Neeraj Sharma and Shifraaz Khan before halftime.
In the second half, Tailevu Naitasiri further extended their advantage to 3-1 with a goal from Avishek Deo. Labasa continued to battle hard, narrowing the gap with Simione Ragoneturaga’s goal. Tailevu Naitasiri answered with another strike from Maciu Tuilau, but Raju brought Labasa within one with his second goal. Ultimately, Labasa could not find the equalizer, and the match concluded with Tailevu Naitasiri securing the win.
Labasa’s coach, Imtiaz Begg, praised his team’s effort and commitment throughout the match, noting the disappointment of missing three penalty kicks that could have altered the outcome significantly. “It was hard luck for the boys. We gave it our all in this semi-final, but we fell short,” he remarked, emphasizing the valuable experience many of the players gained during the game.
Despite the defeat, Begg retained an optimistic outlook, highlighting the learning potential for his young squad. He expressed pride in their hard work and achievement in reaching the semi-finals, recognizing it as an important milestone in their development.
Tailevu Naitasiri celebrated their victory, with standout performances, particularly by Shifraaz Khan, who earned the Extra Player of the Match title. As the championship continues, teams like Labasa look ahead with hope that their experiences will pave the way for improved performances in future competitions.