Narieta Leba’s first-half double saw Labasa clinch its first win in the OFC Women’s Champions League in Honiara today and keep its semifinal hopes alive.
The Roneel Ram coached side now has a win and a draw in the bag and will face AS Academy Féminine in its final Group B match in the weekend.
After AS Academy Féminine’s 5-0 loss to Auckland United earlier this afternoon, Labasa and Veitongo came into their second group stage match knowing that only a win would keep either team in genuine semi-final contention, with a loss confirming an early trip home.
With so much on the line, both teams took a little while to settle into their rhythms, with neither creating any real clear cut chances in the early stages.
Labasa found their opener in the 25th minute as Shayal Sindhika’s through ball was pounced on by Leba, who rounded the on-rushing goalkeeper and calmly rolling the ball into the empty net to break the deadlock.
A little over five minutes before the half-time interval, Labasa got their second, through Leba once again.
Holding off Ana Lauteau, the forward created space for herself before firing a low effort into the corner and beyond the outstretched grasp of the goalkeeper.
Aware that goal difference could become crucial in the race for a semi-final place, Labasa continued to press for a third, with Unaisi Tuberi coming close – latching onto a failed clearance, only for her powerful half volley to whistle narrowly over the crossbar.
With Labasa and Auckland United both on four points and AS Academy Féminine on three, the Fijians have set up an electrifying final group game with the reigning champions to determine who will progress to the knock out stages.
