LABASA buried an 81-year old bad omen to win its first Inter District Championship on Western soil, at Nadi’s Prince Charles Park.
The Lions beat Suva 1-0 in a rain drenched grand finale.
Labasa’s star off the bench, Solomon Islander Dennis Ifunaoa turned in a beautiful left footer from the top of the 18-years that beat Suva net-minder Emori Ragata, who replaced the injured Simione Tamanisau.
The teams were tied 0-0, after the regulation time as Ifunaoa’s first extra time goal sent partisan Labasa fans into a celebration frenzy.
Labasa coach Ronil Lal was ecstatic about winning the championship on the Western soil.
“We finally broke the jinx of winning on Western Soil”, he said.
“Time to celebrate, as it’s the second time I have guided the team to victory, the BOG and now the IDC.
“The win is the highlight of my coaching career”.
Lal said he knew the strength and the weakness of the team and used the players that suited the need.
“Our strategy worked to our advantage.
“We tightened our defense and crowded the midfield area. That’s the area Suva centered its play, this forced them to play on the outside.
“The weather wasn’t good but winning is all that matters”.
Labasa walked away with a cool $25,000 prize-money while Suva received $6000.
