Tavua’s football team earned their spot in the premier division after defeating Bua 3-1 in a playoff series that concluded yesterday.
Entering the match with a 0-1 deficit on aggregate, Tavua needed to secure a victory by at least two goals to earn promotion.
Vilitati Kautoga initiated the scoring for Tavua with a volley just before halftime at Garvey Park, giving the home team a 1-0 advantage at the intermission.
Six minutes into the second half, Manasa Nawakula demonstrated his finishing abilities by receiving a left-sided cross and skillfully placing it into the net, marking Tavua’s second goal.
Ratu Nalewadonu clinched the win with a third goal deep into injury time, ensuring Tavua’s promotion to the premier division for the next season.
With this victory, Tavua secures a place in the top division for the upcoming season.
Tavua will take the place of either T/Naitasiri or Nasinu, with the final confirmation pending the results of the last round of national league matches today.
Nasinu must perform better than T/Naitasiri in today’s match to have any chance of remaining in the league, while T/Naitasiri will be hoping for a loss from Nasinu against Nadroga to confirm their spot in the top league for another season.
Today’s matches include Nadroga facing Nasinu at 3 PM at the Uprising Sports Complex, and Ba hosting Rewa simultaneously at the Fiji FA Academy in Ba.
A doubleheader at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori features Suva against Nadi at 1 PM, followed by Tailevu Naitasiri taking on Lautoka at 3 PM.
In other football news, Navua narrowly defeated Labasa 1-0 in a standalone Digicel Fiji Premier League match, with Usaia Tilivarua scoring the only goal in the first half. This victory elevates Navua to third place in the standings with 29 points.