Lanky Rewa striker turned midfielder, Gabirieli Matanisiga, was the hero of their 1-0 win over Bargain Box Ba in their final Group B match of the Punjas Battle of the Giants tourna­ment at Churchill Park, Lautoka, yesterday.

The Delta Tigers needed the win to qualify for Saturday’s B.O.G semifinal.

The defending champions got what they were after in the 71st min­ute when Matanisiga slotted in their lone goal.

Rewa now accompanies Ba to the semifinals while Farmtrac Trac­tors Labasa and All in One Builders Nadi have qualified from Group A.

Rewa coach Marika Rodu said it has been a long season and it was hard to motivate his players.

“To come out of two draws there has been a question of lack of con­fidence. But definitely out of this match, the boys spoke and showed that they were committed. They’ve pushed Rewa into the semifinal,” Rodu said.

Rewa had just returned from New Zealand where they played in the OFC Champions League.

Ba captain Savenaca Nakalevu said they would bounce back in the semifinal.

“We have to work hard on a few areas of our game before the semi­final,” Nakalevu said.

Ba has been one of the most improved teams in the tournament after struggling during the Digicel Premier League after they lost several key players during the last Transfer Window.

Wily coach Imdad Ali has worked wonders in building up the team using players like Nakalevu to lead their campaign. Also, playing well for Ba, is stylish Vanuatu midfielder Cluade Aru and striker Luke Savu.

In the other match, Naidu Holdings Limited (NZ) Lautoka beat Al­dex Trading Navua 1-0 in their final Group B match. Rookie striker Aporosa Yada scored Lautoka’s winning goal.

Lautoka coach Shalen Lal said they came to win and got the three points but the result of Rewa’s win over Ba ended their campaign.

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