Tavua’s football team achieved promotion to the premier division after a decisive 3-1 victory over Bua in the playoff series concluded yesterday.
Starting the match at a 0-1 aggregate deficit, Tavua required a win by at least two goals to secure their promotion. Vilitati Kautoga set the tone for the match with a volley just before halftime, giving Tavua a 1-0 lead at the break at Garvey Park.
In the second half, Manasa Nawakula extended Tavua’s lead by skillfully converting a cross into a goal six minutes after the restart. Ratu Nalewadonu then sealed the win with a third goal in injury time, solidifying Tavua’s promotion to the premier division for the upcoming season.
With this victory, Tavua will replace either T/Naitasiri or Nasinu, a determination that will be made following the conclusion of the last round of national league matches today. Nasinu must outperform T/Naitasiri’s results to maintain their league status, while T/Naitasiri hopes for a loss from Nasinu against Nadroga to confirm their place in the top league for another season.
Today’s matches feature Nadroga facing Nasinu at 3 PM at the Uprising Sports Complex, and Ba playing against Rewa at the Fiji FA Academy in Ba at the same time. Also, Nausori’s Ratu Cakobau Park will host a doubleheader, with Suva against Nadi at 1 PM, followed by Tailevu Naitasiri facing Lautoka at 3 PM.
In other football news, Navua secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Labasa in the sole Digicel Fiji Premier League match, with Usaia Tilivarua scoring the winning goal in the first half. This victory propels Navua to third place on the league table with 29 points.