The current title holders of Battle of Giants had a very debut in the 2020 edition of the traditional tournament; Labasa had to come from behind against a very strong Suva side to collect one point in both sides starting match of the tournament.
The first half lack creativity for both sides; few opportunities were created by the offensive systems of both teams. Atonio Tuivuna was not there for Labasa, a big miss for the team as he will also be losing the next match of the Babasiga Lions in 2020 Battle of Giants.
The first goal of the game came already in the second half when the substitute Patrick Taroga put Suva upfront the scoreline in the 69th minute of play after a confusing play inside the box where many Suva players were left free by Labasa’s defense. Patrick Taroga was set to miss Suva’s opening match in Battle of the Giants due an university exam, but for Suva’s luck the exam was cancelled and the player was able to make it to the matchday squad.
Suva would be celebrating a very important win today if it was not for a very experienced player in Labasa’s squad: Taniela Waqa. The 37-year-old defensive midfielder equalised the match for the Lions already in the final minutes of the game through a powerful header to save his team from the defeat in their opening match of the tournament. You can watch both goals in the clash clicking here.
Now, both Suva and Labasa have one point each in the table and have all to play in their next two matches in the weekend to decide their fate in the competition.
Oceania Football Center 