Football

Lions roar back to hold Nadi

June 10, 2023 7:32 pm

The Extra Supermarket Labasa football side had to dig very deep to stay alive in the Digicel Fiji FACT.

The Babasiga Lions struck late in the game to earn a 2-all draw against Esy Kool Air Conditioning Nadi at the HFC Stadium.

Edwin Shayam scored a well-drilled free-kick for the equalizer.

Article continues after advertisement

Nadi had a dream start as it scored two goals in the early stages of the first half.

Nadi veteran Vuniuci Tikomaimereke led by example as he slotted past 41-year-old Simione Tamanisau.

National Under-20 rep Eneriko Matau found the back of Labasa’s net a few minutes later to double the lead.

Fiji rep Ashneel Raju pulled a goal back minutes before the break.

Labasa received a free kick in the dying stages of the game, and Shayam stepped up to curl the ball around the Nadi wall to score a masterpiece and a goal of the tournament contender.

The Thomas Vulivuli-coached side plays Tailevu/Naitasiri at 11am tomorrow , and needs a win to keep alive its chances of a last four outing.

Nadi battles it out with Rewa FC at 5pm tomorrow.