Labasa chasing win after 27-year drought
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Labasa is seeking to win the BiC Fiji FACT semifinal against Ba, ending a 27-year home-turf drought.
- The team has been dominant at home, remaining unbeaten since July 2025 and aiming for a second consecutive Fiji FACT title.
- Labasa's last Fiji FACT victory on home soil was in 1999, despite hosting the tournament six times.
Hosts and reigning champions Extra Labasa face a significant challenge as they prepare for the BiC Fiji FACT semifinal against Ba on Saturday. The "Babasiga Lions" are driven by the prospect of ending a 27-year wait for a Fiji FACT title on their home turf, with their last win dating back to 1999. This historical context adds considerable weight to their current campaign.
Labasa's current form at home is formidable; they have remained unbeaten since July 2025. Securing a victory in the semifinal would not only break the long-standing drought but also position them to defend their Fiji FACT title from last season, further solidifying their dominance.
The side is also unbeaten at home since July 2025 and will be looking to maintain that record while securing back-to-back Fiji FACT titles after winning it last season.
Historically, Labasa has hosted the Fiji FACT tournament six times, but their success in those instances has been limited, with only two wins in 1992 and 1995. Coach Alvin Chand expressed confidence in his team's ability to secure a consecutive title, a feat that would undoubtedly be celebrated by the passionate football-following community in the North.
The crucial semifinal match against Ba is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday. Fans can follow the action through live commentary on Radio Fiji 2, anticipating whether Labasa can overcome the historical odds and continue their impressive home run.
Coach Alvin Chand is confident of securing a consecutive title.
Originally published by FBC News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.