Savusavu needed just a draw in the second leg of the promotion/relegation series against Nasinu to earn promotion and achieved just that with a scoreless stalemate at TFL National Stadium in Suva on Sunday.
The northern-based side entered the match with an advantage following the 1-0 victory over Nasinu last weekend at Subrail Park in the first leg and, as no further goals were scored in the second game, took out the tie with a 1-0 aggregate win.
They will be joined in the Super Premier Division by fellow northern team Labasa and will get the chance to tussle with giants like Ba, Lautoka and Rewa.
Savusavu president Jabid Hussein struggled to find words to describe his emotions after the game.
“It is a very special day for us,” he said.
“As president it was my aim to see Savusavu promoted to the Super Premier Division and we did it today. Football will of course now reach new heights in Savusavu.
“It won’t be easy but we will have new players coming along and joining us. We will give our best to be recognised.”
Nasinu came out firing from the first whistle in front of a bouyant crowd. The charge was led by Maciu Tuilau, who was at the heart of numerous attacks, but Savusavu goalie Rishad Khan put in a man of the match performance to keep a clean sheet.
Nasinu increased their urgency to an even higher level in the second half, fully aware that they had only 45 minutes to rescue themselves.
But numerous tactical changes by Nasinu coach Ravuama Madigi proved fruitless while, in contrast, Gordon Leewai came off the bench for Savusavu and made an impact.
He had a golden opportunity to seal the match in the dying stages but his shot was well judged by Nasinu goalkeeper Zoheb Alfaaz.
Hussein said the game largely went to plan for his Savusavu side.
“Having a one-goal advantage from the first match, we took a more defensive approach coming in to this one.”
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