REWA’S DAY
Rewa, Rewa, Rewa! Those were the only chants roaring aloud around Nausori Town after the Rewa football team beat Labasa 5-3 in the Vodafone Fiji FACT Cup final yesterday at Ratu Cakobau Park. Bad boy Josateki Tamudu came back from a two-match suspension to slot in Rewa’s winning penalty. Lining up to take his kick in front of 10,000 screaming fans Tamudu kept his composure to place the ball past Labasa goalkeeper Akuila Matiesuva. “This is one moment that I will remember for the rest of his life. Football is my passion and I had been playing since primary school. While taking a break I was waiting for this moment,” Tamudu said.
Rewa goalkeeper Benito Waqavou was the hero of the Vodafone Fiji FACT 2018 final when they beat Labasa 5-3 on penalty shootout at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori, yesterday.
The lanky Waqavou was injured when he was fouled by Labasa striker Christopher Wasasala during the second spell of extra time and he refused to leave the field. “I knew the penalty shootout was coming next and I had to play my role in the team,” the 24-year-old told SUNsports.
“I knew I had to stay in, despite the pain. I had to be in and play my part in the game. It was tough preparing for the final and balancing time with work but however this win is dedicated to my mother and all Rewa fans throughout Fiji.
What happened: Both teams started strongly in front of more than 10,000 spectators.
The slippery ground saw players struggling to adapt to the surface and maintain possession. Labasa captain Taniela Waqa led by example as he marshalled his players well and made several attempts which were unsuccessful. The visitors did not back down and their attacking moves had the Rewa fans on their toes. Rewa missed a sitter in the 66th minute when a Epeli Saukuru strike missed by inches. Labasa came back but the Rewa defence led by Peniame Drova and Josateki Tamudu stood the test.
Penalty shootout: Rewa’s scorers were captain Amani Makoe, Setareki Hughes, Savenaca Baleidrokadroka, Lorima Dau and Josateki Taumudu.
Labasa: Ilisoni Lolaivalu, Antonio Tuivuna, Pita Levaci (Bolaitoga) while Wasasala missed.
Comments: Marika Rodu said:
“Both teams were equally courageous, they tried to build up play and they had equal chances to score.
“”We had the depth and we used the tactic to sub in good fast players towards the end. “The officials are going to meet tomorrow to discuss on how the prize money will be used.” Labasa manager Nilesh Lal said: “It was anybody’s game when it comes to penalty kicks.” OTHER AWARDS: Player of Day 4: Benito Waqavou (Rewa) Player of Day 5: Savenaca Baleidrokadroka (Rewa)
Fair Play: Labasa Football Highest Goal Scorer: Rusiate Matirerega (Nadi)
Golden Glove: Benito Waqavou Best Player: Amani Makoe (Rewa)
Rewa goalkeeper Benito Waqavou got injured after he was fouled by Labasa striker Christopher Wasasala during the second spell of extra time but refused to leave the field