Rewa FC has officially exited the 2025 OFC Champions League following their second consecutive loss, this time against Tahiti’s AS Pirae. The match, held at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara, Solomon Islands, concluded with a narrow 1-0 score after a controversial penalty was given late in the game.
The team, coached by Roderick Singh, needed at least a draw to keep their hopes of advancing alive after they suffered a 4-2 defeat in their opening match against New Caledonia’s Tiga Sport. In that match, Rewa’s chances were hampered significantly as they were reduced to ten men due to a red card issued to defender Kavaia Rawaqa early in the game. Despite their struggles, they managed to show flashes of potential, notably equalizing shortly after going a goal down.
In today’s match against AS Pirae, Rewa entered with a more aggressive strategy, introducing key players like Iosefo Verevou and Josaia Sela alongside promising talents such as Delon Shankar and Mosese Nabose. They created numerous opportunities but failed to convert any into goals, with striker John Orobulu notably missing key chances in front of the home crowd.
The match took a dramatic turn during additional time when Patrick Joseph was penalized for a foul, leading to a penalty that Yohann Tihoni expertly converted to claim victory for AS Pirae. Following this incident, Delon Shankar was also red-carded after expressing his frustration about the penalty decision, compounding Rewa’s challenges.
With a final match against Auckland City on the horizon, which now holds no significance for Rewa’s standings, the team’s ability to regroup will be crucial. Despite the setbacks, the Delta Tigers have exhibited resilience throughout the tournament, and their performance reflects their growth as a competitive team in regional football.
As they brace for their upcoming match against the reigning champions Auckland City, there remains hope for Rewa FC to end their tournament on a strong note, possibly inspiring future performances and showcasing their skills on an international level. The support from their passionate fan base will be vital as they look towards rebuilding for future competitions.
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