IXCEL Rewa FC forward Merril Nand dedicated his crucial goal to his elder sister after helping Rewa secure a place in the semi-finals of the OFC Men’s Champions League on Wednesday.
Rewa entered their final pool match against Lae City knowing it was a must-win encounter if they were to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
Lae City scored first in the opening half, but Nand said the Rewa players remained confident they could fight their way back into the match.
“We went into our last pool match knowing it was a must-win for us for us to make it to the semi-final.
“We talked about it in camp, the importance of this match, and we came back stronger in the second half after Lae City scored the first goal in the first half.
“The boys believed that we would get the win,” Nand said.
Nand then delivered when it mattered most, scoring the crucial goal to help Rewa secure the victory and book their place in the last four.
He credited God for giving him the strength to score and thanked the team management for believing in him.
“I thank God for giving me the strength to score that goal and I thank the team management for believing in me,” he said.
Nand dedicated the goal to his elder sister, who is serving as a tournament doctor and is also preparing for her wedding.
“I dedicate it to my elder sister who is actually a tournament doctor and is getting married.”
With Rewa now preparing for the semi-final, Nand has called on their supporters to turn out in numbers.
“To the fans, come out in numbers for the semi-final. I hope more fans come out in numbers and support us,” he said.
Rewa coach and player Tevita Waranivalu praised the players for their determination and effort in securing their semi-final berth.
“I am happy with the boys. They fought hard and they wanted to be in the semi-final.
“I reminded them that it would not be an easy match, but we had to fight hard to be in the semi-final,” Waranivalu said.
Waranivalu said he urged the players at halftime to remain composed and stick to their game plan.
“In the second half, I told the boys to stick to the game plan. I want to thank God for always being on our side from day one,” he added.
Rewa now has three days to prepare for the semi-final, with Waranivalu saying the team’s immediate focus will be on recovery and assessing injuries.
