LABASA WOMEN FC MAKE HISTORY AND HEAD TO SEMI-FINAL
Written by Ella Melake on March 18, 2024
Source: Labasa Football Facebook
AS Academy needed a big win against Labasa Women FC after their surprising defeat to Auckland United. On the other hand, our Labasa ladies needed a point to make the semi-finals and improve their own finish from last year.
Coach Ronnel Avnith Ram named an unchanged side form Labasa’s 2-0 dispatch of Veitongo FC, while Coralie Bretegnier made only one change from the starting XI against Aucjlanf. Bretegnier replaced Ludovica Leitha Kalo with their youngest player, 14-year-old Emmanuelle Buama, for the fist half.
AS Academy captain, Alice Wenessia started at the heart of the side’s attacking forays, pinging through a ball from deep to 17-year-old Ronaldine Hnaune. This was a strong start from the young ladies.
It seemed as though, AS Academy were quite comfortable setting up for shots from outside the area which also made it evident that they were trying to catch Selai Tikoisuva off-guard. Wenessia’s effort from distance was well cleared by the Fijians, with the resulting counter-attack almost proving fruitful, but Anasimeci Volitkoro couldn’t apply the finishing touch to give her side the lead.
Volitokoro’s rapid counter attack’s before half-time were magnificent, as the winger drew a sharp double save from Annais Barth, with teammate Stella Naiyavulevu. The forward then missed a golden opportunity to take the lead a minute later, missing an empty net with Barth left stranded.
The second half began with AS Academy determined to take control with Joceline Kourevi. Although, her attacks were direct, she did not score a goal however, this signaled a statement of intent from the New Caledonians. They knew they needed a goal to keep their title defense alive.
As the game intensified into the final 20 minutes, tension build between the teams as the reality of a much needed win began to settle in.
Despite both sides continuing to push for an opening goal, the match ended as the tournament’s first goalless game – a result that was welcomed by Labasa, who will now advance to the last four, as AS Academy Féminine’s defence comes to a premature end.
Full-Time Score
PC: Labasa Football Facebook
The goalless draw has secured Labasa Women FC a place in the Semi-Finals.
Credit: www.oceaniafootball.com
