Football is back in Fiji as Digicel Premier League kicked-off this weekend. Ten teams are fighting for the national title this year, which means an increase of two teams in the league compared to last year.
The first match of the season was contested between Nasinu and Labasa – the first game of the triple header held at ANZ Stadium. With two late goals scored by Taniela Rakariva and Michael Chan, the Giant Killers defeated Labasa by 2-0.
The second clash of the day at ANZ Stadium was a 1-0 victory for Rewa against Ba, with a goal scored by Rusiate Matarerega. In the third and final meeting of the triple header Suva defeated current league champions Lautoka by 2-1.
Two other matches were contested in the same day in different stadiums. Newcomers Tailevu Naitasiri thrashed Nadi by 3-0 at Prince Charles Park while Navua came from behind to defeat Nadroga by 3-1 at Uprising Resort Ground.
RESULTS
Nasinu 2-0 Labasa – HIGHLIGHTS
Goals: Taniela Rakariva (84′), Michael Chan (86′)
Nadi 0-3 Tailevu Naitasiri
Goals: Epeli Valevou (24′), Rusiate Qio (40′), Abhishek Deo (61′)
Rewa 1-0 Ba – HIGHLIGHTS
Goals: Rusiate Matarerega (76′)
Navua 3-1 Nadroga
Goals: Zainal Ali (48′), Netani Doli (83′) and Mannav Permal (90′) for Navua; Jibola Afonja (29′) for Nadroga
Suva 2-1 Lautoka – HIGHLIGHTS
Goals: Kolinio Sivoki (Own Goal 47′) and Dave Radrigai (90′) for Suva; Sairusi Nalaubu (29′) for Lautoka
Oceania Football Center 