The Nadroga football team has clinched a place in the 2024 Inter District Championship following a decisive 4-1 win against Tailevu Naitasiri in the Digicel Fiji Premier League at Lawaqa Park. The Stallions came out strong, scoring three goals in the first half, with Semesa Sacere opening the scoring, followed by Joel Chand who increased the lead, and Abhishek Ram converting a penalty to secure a commanding advantage.
Despite being down 3-0, Tailevu Naitasiri responded with vigor in the second half, and Sakiusa Saqiri’s goal in the 48th minute sparked a moment of optimism for the team. However, Nadroga’s goalkeeper Sakeo Tageneca quickly quashed any hopes of a comeback by scoring a fourth goal from the penalty spot, confirming the victory for Nadroga.
With this win, Nadroga now has 17 points, sitting five points ahead of both Tailevu Naitasiri and Nasinu, who are tied with 12 points each and face potential relegation. As the league approaches its conclusion, Nasinu will go head-to-head with Nadroga while Tailevu Naitasiri will battle Lautoka in crucial matches critical for their survival.
In other league action, Navua secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Nasinu at the Uprising Sports Complex. Jared Rongosulia’s penalty goal in the second half was enough to earn Navua all three points after a scoreless first half. Suva surprised Lautoka with a 1-0 win at Churchill Park, with Jo Moses netting the only goal in the first half. Additionally, Ba pulled off a late 2-1 victory over Labasa at the Fiji FA Academy Ground. Labasa initially took the lead through Christopher Wasasala’s goal in the 18th minute, but Etonia Dogalau equalized 20 minutes later, before Faazil Ali scored the late winner for Ba.
The final round of the Digicel Premier League is set to take place this weekend, leading up to preparations for the IDC in Lautoka next month.