Fiji’s Rewa FC faced another heartbreak in the OFC Men’s Champions League, losing 1-0 to AS Pirae from Tahiti in their second match held in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The decisive moment came from a penalty kick converted by Yohann Tihoni in the dying minutes of extra time, after a foul committed by Rewa’s Gabrieli Matanasiga in the penalty box.
The match was marked by dramatic events, including a lengthy stoppage due to injuries that extended the gameplay to over 113 minutes. Rewa’s efforts to secure a draw were undermined when Delon Shankar received a second yellow card for questioning the referee’s call, leaving the team in a difficult position.
This loss effectively eliminated Rewa from contention in the tournament, following a previous 4-2 defeat to New Caledonia’s AS Tiga Sport. Despite the setbacks, Coach Roderick Singh praised his team’s resilience and their ability to create numerous scoring opportunities, though they struggled to find the back of the net. Key player John Orobulu was notable for missing several chances, emphasizing the team’s ongoing struggle in finishing.
With their final group match against Auckland City on the horizon, Rewa FC is left to regroup and prepare, even though there is no chance of advancing. Historically, the team reached the semifinals last year, showing their capability to compete at a high level. As they look toward future competitions, the support from their fans remains a critical aspect of their journey, and there is hope that this experience will lead to a stronger performance in upcoming tournaments.
The current challenges serve as an opportunity for Rewa FC to learn and grow. Their journey in this tournament could inspire not only the current squad but also future generations of players in Fiji, igniting a continued passion for the sport.
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