OFC: Lautoka’s dream to win dashed

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The Lautoka football side. Picture: SUPPLIED/OFC

LAUTOKA’S dream of winning the OFC Champions League was dashed after its 2-all draw against AS Central Sports at Lautoka’s Churchill Park this afternoon.

The Blues needed a clear three goals win but the three red cards – one each to Bong Kalo, Dave Radregai and Afraz Ali – made things difficult for them.

Lautoka led 2-1 at the break before forward Manuarii Hauata leveled the score with a magnificent goal.

The nine-men Lautoka side bravely held AS Central Sport 2-2 to finish the game on a high note.

Red cards to Kalo and Radregai proved costly for the Blues but they played their hearts out to deny the host from scoring more goals.

The visitors scored the first goal early in the first spell before Samuela Drudru’s powerful kick deflected from a AS Central Sport defender for a own goal leveling the score 1-all.

Lautoka pressured the opponents throughout the first spell but poor finishing let the team down.

The host missed many scoring opportunities with AS Central Sport goal keeper Mikael Roche making some daring saves.

Kalo was sent off for pushing his opponent but Benjamin Totori increased Lautoka’s points from a classic goal dribbling past two defenders and beat the goal keeper with a neatly-placed goal.

Radregai received his second yellow card which led to a red card after tackling an opposing player inside the penalty box.

Ali also received his second yellow card in the last stage of the game which again led to the red card.

The visitors missed the penalty kick which gave the Blues some breathing space.

Both teams tried their best to score but to no avail.

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