The famous victory of the Lautoka football side in its first international outing over the weekend has been dedicated to all citizens of the country.

The Shop and Save Blues who made their debut in the 2009/2010 O-League outclassed Marist FC of the Solomon Islands 3-1 at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara on Sunday to lead Group B.

Jubilant Lautoka president Shalendra Prasad said the win was not only for the district but for all the football loving fans in Fiji.

“I salute the players for their effort in Honiara as winning at Lawson Tama stadium is a daunting task but my players stood tall and played exceptionally well.”

“The boys made a lot of sacrifices and left their families behind during the festival of Diwali and this win is dedicated to all the families, well wishers and the entire nation.”

“After the IDC final loss, the team morale was a bit down but the win in O League, a competition which is Oceania’s top tournament has certainly lifted the team spirits.”

“This was the start we wanted and now we will work hard in training and prepare for the remaining matches accordingly” he said.

Despite dropping key players like Valerio Nawatu and Alivereti Baleiloa and taking only fifteen players for the match, the Imdad Ali coached side proved too strong for their opponents and scored their first two goals of the match in the first twenty minutes.

2009 IDC player of the tournament Kamal Hassan, defender Samuela Kautoga and Australian import Nahuel Arrarte struck for the Sugar City boys.

Lautoka plays Hekari South United of Papua New Guinea in its second O League match on November 7 in Port Moresby. United has Fijian players in the form of Pita Bolaitoga, Lorima Dau and Tuimasi Manuca.

Fijilive

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