Suva have solidified their standing as the kings of district futsal in Fiji, after winning their fourth Digicel Futsal Inter-District Championship title earlier this month with a 4-2 victory over Lami in the final.
Lami had qualified through to the final with an unbeaten record and were arguably the favourites to go on and win the title after beating Suva 2-0 in the group stages.
But Suva’s class shone through in the decider, with Vanuatu national Azariah Soromon playing a starring role for his side, which included an 18th-minute goal following a powerful free kick from Filipe Baravilala.
The match was perhaps even closer than the 4-2 scoreline suggested, with Suva only scoring their fourth late in the match when Lami had gone into the fifth-man formation in a bid to find an equaliser.
In the play-off for third Nadi beat Lautoka 6-5 on penalties, while Rewa defeated Ba 8-0 to claim fifth place and Tailevu Naitasiri won 5-2 against Rakiraki to finish seventh.
Fiji Football Association Competitions Manager Amitesh Pal said with fans unable to attend due to COVID-19 protocols, live coverage on FBC TV provided a chance for the Fijian football community to get behind the tournament.
“I am sure people watching live on FBC TV enjoyed the thrills and action of the game… despite no fans being there cheering, the teams played their hearts out,” Pal said.
“The competition was more competitive compared to last year because the interest in futsal is growing in the districts since the national futsal league started.
“Congratulations to both of the finalists and thanks to all the participating teams for displaying quality futsal.”
Pal also thanked the Fiji Sports Council for allowing them to host the tournament at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.
Meanwhile the Digicel Women’s Inter-District Championship, which was scheduled for February 4-6 in Sigatoka, has been postponed until the end of February due to district travel restrictions which are part of the revised COVID-19 protocols in Fiji.