Navua’s hopes of advancing to the semi-finals of the BBC/Wonderchick Fiji FACT tournament were dashed in 1991 after a 1-2 defeat against Suva. According to an article published in The Fiji Times on April 1, 1991, this match marked Navua’s third pool game in which they had dominated for a significant portion of the time.
Under the leadership of Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, Navua initially took the lead, scoring the first goal and heading into halftime with a 1-0 advantage. However, they struggled to maintain their position in the second half, which ultimately led to their exit from the tournament.
Navua’s goalkeeper, Timoci Alui, expressed regret over his performance, particularly after Maretino Nemani’s goal, which decided the match and eliminated Navua from contention for the $5,000 prize. Ratu Suliano had scored Navua’s opening goal following a well-executed play involving replacement Donald Wise and playmaker Kolaia Nabaro, which initially gave them confidence.
Despite their early success, Suva mounted a spirited comeback. David Low equalized just four minutes into the second half with a surprise lob that caught Alui off guard. Nine minutes later, the situation worsened for Navua as Suva’s skipper, Nemani, capitalized on a defensive error, securing the second goal and sealing Navua’s fate in the tournament.
Navua attempted to reclaim the lead, with Ratu Suliano coming close on two occasions, and Nabaro striving to level the score, but Suva’s goalkeeper, Josaia Rabonu, proved formidable. Both teams faced disciplinary action, with Navua’s Tubuna and two Suva players receiving yellow cards during the match.
Though the loss was disheartening, Navua’s performance showcased their potential and skill on the field, hinting at a bright future in upcoming competitions. With strong leadership and talent, there’s hope that Navua can regroup and come back stronger in future tournaments.
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