Coach Hits Out at Critics After Qualifying

The Extra Supermarket Rewa football team will represent Fiji at the OFC Champions League.

The Delta Tigers fought back to beat hosts Aroma Tigers Café Lautoka 3-2 in extra time during their return clash at Churchill Park yesterday.

The first clash last Thursday resulted in a 0-0 draw.

Rewa coach Rodrick Singh said this is not the first time that they have qualified.

“We are looking forward to it,” he said.

“We did not win any title last year and we had comments from the fans to fire me, but this is the most important prize to represent Fiji at an international meet.”

Lautoka led 1-0 at halftime with a goal from lanky striker Saula Waqa. Rewa equalised in the second half from a Setareki Hughes freekick which was headed in by midfielder Samuela Kautoka.

The jubilant Rewa football players and officials after the 3-2 win over Lautoka at Churchill Park on February 11, 2024. Rewa qualifies for the OFC Champions League. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

Then Hughes against the run of play delivered a powerful shot that came off a Lautoka defender to the back of the net for Rewa’s second goal in the 71st minute. Lautoka equalised through a penalty kick taken by Epeli Leiroti leaving the fulltime scores at 2-2.

In extra spell, it was Hughes who kicked in Rewa’s winner from the penalty spot.

Lautoka coach Babs Khan said they had their chances but failed to capitalise on it.

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