The close victory has now earned Tailevu Naitasiri the right to battle Puma Dreketi in a home –away series which will determine the 2011 Fiji Sun/Weet-Bix Premier division champion.
A Janardhan Goundar 63rd minute goal gave Rakiraki the lead midway in the second spell but their joy was short lived as Ratu Luke minutes later equalised.
Both sides were locked 1-1 at full time, referee Varun Lal signaled for two 15 minutes spells of extra time.
A minute away from the end from the second spell of extra time, just when it seemed that the match was headed for a penalty shoot-out -Apisai Voravora broke the hearts of the Rakiraki side as he nodded in the winning goal.
Sundeep Roy the Tailevu Naitasiri Football Association President, while pleased with the victory said their task was still incomplete.
“Our focus is on Dreketi now,” he said.
“We entered the Rakiraki on a low profile. There was not much hype around and the boys were enteriely focused on going out there and doing the job. It is a good result for us and I must thank the boys who played till the final whistle.
“Dreketi is next and we will look to prepare a strong side for the clash.”
Elsewhere Nivea Savusavu edged Angel Tavua 1-0 at Ganilau Park in the lone Fiji Sun/Weet-Bix National Football clash played on Sunday afternoon.
Fiji Sun/Weet-Bix Viti Levu Premier Division Playoffs
Full Time: Eveready Vinz Work Tailevu Naitasiri 2 Janola Rakiraki 1
Tailevu Naitasiri Goals: Ratu Luke 68’; Apisai Voravora – 29th minute of extra time
Tailevu Naitasiri Cautions: Roderick Singh 32’; Shivneel Ram 37’; Ratu Luke 41’
Rakiraki Goal: Janardhan Goundar 63’
Rakiraki Caution: No Caution
3pm at Govind Park, Ba
(Note: Tailevu Naitasiri will now clash against Puma Dreketi to determine the 2011 Fiji Sun/Weet-Bix Premier Division champions)
Fiji Sun/Weet-Bix National Football League
Full Time: Nivea Savusavu 1 Angel Tavua 0
Savusavu Goal: Sanjesh Kumar 38’
Savusavu Cautions: Roderick Kumar 42’, 83’; Adre Lote 78’
Tavua Caution: Jone Salauneune 21’; Tomasi Uducola 77’
2pm Ganilau Park, Savusavu
Fiji FA MEDIA
Voravora guides Tailevu Naitasiri
