Wasasala nets double in Labasa's win

Top striker Christopher Wasasala scored a goal in each half to help Labasa overcome Rewa 2-1 in their opening Group A fixture of the 2022 Digicel Fiji FACT at the ANZ Stadium in Suva today.

Dubbed as the clash of the day, the match lived up to expectation with both teams putting on a great display of football and keeping the fans on the edge of their seats.

Wasasala opened 4R Electric Labasa's account in the 22nd minute after pouncing on a through pass and slamming the ball into the roof the net.

Both teams pulled out their youth players midway in the first half to strength play in midfield.

Rewa pulled out debutant Rishab Khan and sent in Tevita Waranaivalu while Ashnil Raju replaced Pawan Singh for Labasa.

Continuous pressure from the Glamada Investment sponsored Delta Tigers saw Captain Setareki Hughes take full advantage of a defensive blunder and get the equaliser in the 43rd minute as the teams headed to the break all level.

The second half was pretty tensed and tight with coaches Marika Rodu and Ravneel Pratap ringing in changes and sending fresh players to keep the tempo of the game up.

Rewa introduced the likes of Rusiate Matarerega, Josaia Sela and Misaele Draunibaka while the Babasiga Lions fielded experienced players like Iliesa Lino, Ilisoni Loloivalu and Ilaisa Nayasi.

Wasasala's hard work through out the encounter was paid dividends as he sneaked in with the winner deep in injury time leaving the Rewa defence stunned and baffled.

By Reginald Chandar