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Illustration of Navua loses in play-off

Navua’s Heartbreak: A 90s Football Saga Unraveled

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Navua’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the BBC/Wonderchick Fiji FACT tournament in 1991 were dashed after a close 1-2 defeat against Suva. This match, reported by The Fiji Times on April 1, marked Navua’s third pool game, where they initially dominated the play.

Led by Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, Navua scored first, taking a 1-0 lead into halftime after Suliano netted a goal following a clever setup from Kolaia Nabaro and a header from replacement player Donald Wise. Their commanding performance in the first half had many believing that Navua was on track for a semi-final appearance.

However, the second half saw a resurgence from Suva. Just four minutes in, midfielder David Low stunned the Navua defense with an unexpected equalizer that took advantage of a moment of hesitation from goalkeeper Timoci Alui. The turning point came nine minutes later when Suva captain Maretino Nemani scored, his attempt rolling through Alui’s legs and sealing Navua’s fate in the tournament.

Despite intense efforts from Ratu Suliano, who came close to scoring twice, and Nabaro, who almost equalized late in the game, Navua was unable to find the net again. The match concluded with several players receiving yellow cards, highlighting the intensity on the field.

While this loss was a significant disappointment for Navua, it showcased their potential and prowess in the earlier parts of the match. With resilience and talent evident in their lineup, fans and supporters can look forward to future opportunities where Navua may shine in upcoming tournaments.

In summary, Navua’s performance in this match reflects their capability and skill, suggesting a promising future as they continue to develop and refine their game.


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