REWA FC vows to bounce back after a disappointing 1-4 defeat to Vanuatu’s Galaxy FC in their opening match of the OFC Men’s Champions League at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday.
Captain Tevita Waranaivalu admitted Rewa failed to produce their best football in the opening half, conceding goals that he believed could have been prevented.
“We really have to relook at our performance today (yesterday). We gave away too simple and easy goals in the first half that we could have stopped,” Waranaivalu said.
Despite the defeat, he praised his teammates for continuing to fight until the final whistle.
“The boys fought until the last minute and kept giving in the fight even though we were down.”
Waranaivalu said Rewa’s message at halftime was simple — return to their style of football and take their chances.
“We really slept off in the first half. We know that we are the better side, but we just have to play our game and finish our chances. That was what we were lacking today.”
Waranaivalu said Rewa’s preparations had also been challenging, with the squad having only one solid week together following the arrival of international players.
“It might need a little bit of time, but it is football. Whether we come one week or three days before the game, we still must play and win,” he noted.
Waranaivalu was encouraged by Rewa’s second-half performance, particularly the number of chances created.
“We created so many chances. Missing those chances really affected us. We should have closed the margin and maybe even won the game in the second half,” Waranivalu explained.
Key player Setareki Hughes was on the bench and played after halftime after carrying an injury from training.
Waranaivalu said his impact was immediately noticeable.
“He contributed so much to creating opportunities for his side in second half,” he said.
With two matches remaining, Waranaivalu believes Rewa can still fight their way into the semi-finals.
“We will go back, look at this game, take the positives, improve and come back strong in the next two games.”
He also thanked Rewa’s travelling supporters, including a busload of fans who made the journey from Nausori.
“Even though we couldn’t get you the win today, we believe we can bounce back in the next two games.”
Rewa FC will face Taupapa in their second pool match at the 4R Stadium, Govind Park, Ba, on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, starting at 4pm.
