Tavua’s football team has achieved promotion to the premier division after defeating Bua 3-1 in the playoff series that concluded yesterday.
Entering the match down 0-1 on aggregate, Tavua needed to secure a victory by at least two goals to move up to the next level. Vilitati Kautoga made the breakthrough for Tavua with a volley just before halftime, putting the hosts ahead 1-0 at the interval.
Six minutes into the second half, Manasa Nawakula increased the lead with a well-placed shot following a cross from the left. Ratu Nalewadonu added a third goal in injury time, confirming Tavua’s successful promotion to the premier division for the next season.
Tavua’s success means they will take the place of either T/Naitasiri or Nasinu, with the final determination pending after the last round of national league matches played today. Nasinu must outperform T/Naitasiri to avoid relegation, while T/Naitasiri hopes for a Nasinu loss against Nadroga to secure their spot in the top league for another year.
Today’s matches include Nadroga facing Nasinu at 3 pm at the Uprising Sports Complex and Ba hosting Rewa at the Fiji FA Academy in Ba simultaneously. A doubleheader at Nausori’s Ratu Cakobau Park starts with Suva against Nadi at 1 pm, followed by Tailevu Naitasiri taking on Lautoka at 3 pm.
In other football news, Navua edged past Labasa with a 1-0 victory in the only Digicel Fiji Premier League match, with Usaia Tilivarua securing the win with a goal in the first half. This result moves Navua to third place in the standings with 29 points.