Permal’s Two Goals Send Nadroga Crashing
New-find Mannav Permal scored twice as Navua edged Nadroga 2-1 in their final pool match in the Digicel Premier League at the Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka on Saturday.
The victory has sealed the fate for Navua to remain in the top tier competition while an over poaching Nadroga side has been relegated to the senior division for 2022.
But it was the Navua side that fought tooth and nail in the 90 minutes in the do or die football fiesta.
The home side had a lot of chances at goal but proved futile.
Permal, 22 scored his first goal in the 45th minute making the overall difference in the first half.
Half time: Navua 1- 0 Nadroga.
In the 54th minute, Permal with his individual brilliance neatly finished when he beat Nadroga defender and rifled a shot and the ball got deflected off the post and beat past goalie Isikeli Sevanaia Junior.
Four minutes later, the host pulled one goal after lanky striker and Captain Osea Vakatalesau neatly finished off from the penalty spot past the gloves of goalie Jo Ratu. This was after striker Tomasi Tuicakau was fouled inside the Navua box.
At full time, the visitors showed jubilant with their fists punching in the air as they celebrated their needed victory.
Both teams finished at nine points apiece but Navua has a better goal difference.
Navua captain Vineet Chand said, “The boys’ joy cannot be explained better. Our mission was to come and take three points from this match. We knew that our fate rested on the outcome of this match. The boys stuck to the game plan as issued by the coaches.”
Dejected Nadroga striker Rusiate Matererega said, “The loss is the worst feeling ever.” Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola