Tavua’s football team secured their place in the premier division after defeating Bua 3-1 in the playoff series, concluding yesterday.
Starting the match down 0-1 on aggregate, Tavua needed to win by at least two clear goals to achieve promotion.
Vilitati Kautoga opened the scoring for Tavua with a volley just before halftime at Garvey Park, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead at the break.
Six minutes into the second half, Manasa Nawakula showcased his finishing skills, receiving a cross from the left and skillfully placing the ball into the net for Tavua’s second goal.
Ratu Nalewadonu sealed the victory with a third goal deep into injury time, ensuring Tavua’s promotion to the premier division next season.
Tavua’s win secures the side a spot in the top division football next season.
Tavua will replace either T/Naitasiri or Nasinu which will be confirmed after the completion of the last round of national league games today.
Nasinu needs to better T/Naitasiri’s result to have chances of survival while T/Naitasiri will hope Nasinu loses to Nadroga today to confirm T/N’s spot in the top league for at least another season.
Today’s fixtures include Nadroga facing Nasinu at 3pm at the Uprising Sports Complex, and Ba hosting Rewa at the Fiji FA Academy in Ba at the same time.
A doubleheader at Nausori’s Ratu Cakobau Park features Suva against Nadi at 1pm, followed by Tailevu Naitasiri taking on Lautoka at 3pm.
In other football action, Navua narrowly defeated Labasa 1-0 in the lone Digicel Fiji Premier League match, with Usaia Tilivarua scoring the decisive goal in the first half. The win elevates Navua to third on the ladder with 29 points.
