Eighteen year- old Josaia Sela Jnr was the hero for the Rewa side when he scored the winning goal for the Delta Tigers 1-0 victory against Lautoka in the Vodafone Premier League encounter at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori last Sunday.
Sela after receiving a neat pass from midfielder Patrick Joesph in the 22nd minute of play hammered the ball past Lautoka goalkeeper Joela Biuvanua from inside the penalty box.
The win puts Rewa on top the points table after the conclusion of first round of competition.
Rewa was awarded a penalty after Anish Khem was fouled for dangerous tackle in the 42nd minute but the Delta Tigers could not take advantage of this opportunity when midfielder Patrick Joseph’s kick was well read and save by goalkeeper Biuvanua.
Both teams displayed constructive and entertaining football with good goalkeeping from both keepers denied the opportunities for the strikers.
Rewa head coach Marika Rodu was happy with the win
“In terms of the whole plan, this is where we want to stand at the end of round 1 after the restart of the competition. Our first game was last week against Suva so it took us to build momentum from one game to the other.”
“As the game happens we go strength by strength and I think the boys really took the one week we had to rectify our mistakes which we did not do against Suva,” Rodu said
The former Rewa and national rep said they would continue with the momentum and focus more on their attack.
“In terms of attack we created a lot of opportunities up in front and lot of misses as well and we will not evade our focus in improving our attack,” said Rodu
Rodu was pleased with the performance of his defense players.
“Our defense stood tall and they were in possession and shape, they took on the one v one, the aerial balls and intercepted a lot of ball as well,” said Rodu
“It was battle of top of the table clash and nothing to take away from Lautoka they also created many opportunities and caused problem in our defense but we stood best and earned the three points,”
Lautoka coach Ravinesh Kumar said it was a well-played match by both teams.
“Hats off to Rewa, they played very good and wonderful football and congratulate them for the win today (Sunday),” Kumar said
The former Fiji FA Technical Director was happy with the performance of his players despite the defeat.
“Our boys did very well and we were fortunate to play Rewa before the Punja’s Battle of the Giants which is a very good build- up for us going into the BOG knowing the strength and weakness of others teams and our team as well,” said Kumar
Kumar admitted that they lack depth on bench.
“I have to make some tactical changes because of lack of players may be I would say some of the players are working on their release and those who played they did very well and will adapt to the system I want them to play,”
