In a disappointing turn of events, Navua failed to secure a place in the semi-finals of the BBC/Wonderchick Fiji FACT tournament in 1991, suffering a 1-2 defeat to Suva. Despite dominating the match, especially in the first half, Navua, led by Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, was unable to maintain their advantage.
Initially, Navua took the lead when Ratu Suliano netted a goal just before half-time, following a well-placed header from Donald Wise, assisted by playmaker Kolaia Nabaro. The team appeared poised to advance, leading 1-0 at the start of the second half.
However, Suva responded with determination. Midfielder David Low equalized within just four minutes of the half, surprising Navua’s defense with a skillful lob that caught goalkeeper Timoci Alui off guard. Suva’s momentum continued, and shortly after, a mistake by Alui allowed a modest effort from Suva captain Nemani to roll into the goal, sealing Navua’s fate.
Despite the setback, Navua displayed resilience in the latter part of the game, with Ratu Suliano coming close to equalizing twice and Nabaro making a commendable attempt that was narrowly deflected over the bar.
Reflecting on the match, Alui expressed regret over the goals conceded, particularly the decisive one that dashed Navua’s hopes for a share of the $5000 prize money.
Navua’s spirited performance throughout the tournament demonstrated their potential, and while the loss was disappointing, it highlights the competitiveness of the league and the promise of future tournaments. With lessons learned, Navua can look forward to building on this experience and striving for success in upcoming competitions.
In summary, while Navua’s journey in the tournament ended prematurely, their dominant display in the early stages offers hope for their future as they continue to develop as a team.
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