Rewa FC produced a memorable comeback at 4R Stadium,Govind Park in Ba yesterday, overcoming a 0-1 deficit to defeat Lae City FC 2-1 and secure a place in the OFC Men’s Champions League semi-finals.
Needing nothing less than victory to keep their campaign alive, Rewa started with purpose and dominated possession and territory in the opening stages.
Despite their early pressure, the Delta Tigers were stunned when Lae City struck against the run of play through Raphael Rudolph after Solomon Kamake created the opening with a powerful run.
Rewa refused to panic and continued pushing forward in search of an equaliser.
Their persistence finally paid off in first-half stoppage time when captain Kavaia Rawaqa produced a moment of quality, turning onto his left foot before firing a superb long-range effort into the net to level the match 1-1 at halftime.
Rewa returned from the break with renewed confidence and completed the turnaround just seven minutes into the second half.
Merrill Nand became the hero, finding the bottom corner with a low effort after the ball broke kindly to him inside a crowded penalty area.
Lae City pushed for an equaliser, but Rewa defended resolutely while remaining dangerous on the counter.
The Delta Tigers held firm through late pressure, including a stoppage-time effort that struck the crossbar.
The victory sends Rewa into Wednesday’s semi-final at Govind Park, where they will face the winner of Group A.
