Gabrielle Matanisiga scored a late goal as Rewa fought hard to draw 1-all against Lautoka in the Courts IDC.
Lautoka started the match on a high and created some good goal scoring opportunities.
Sitiveni Cavuilagi then took advantage of a defensive blunder from Rewa and scored the opening goal for the Lautoka side in the first half.
Dave Radrigai of Lautoka also played brilliantly in midfield and created chances for the Lautoka side.
Rewa got a lifeline in the second half when they were awarded a penalty after Lautoka goalkeeper Joela Buivanua collided with Setareki Hughes.
Buivanua was injured in the collision and was replaced by Viliame Tabucala.
Tabucala saved the subsequent penalty from Setareki Hughes.
Tabucala says he knew he was going to save the penalty.
Rewa’s Matanisiga says the team fought till the final whistle.
In Group A, Lautoka and Rewa have one point each , Nasinu has three points while Suva has 0 points.
In Group B , Navua has 3 points, Nadi and Ba have a point each while Labasa has 0 points.
Looking at today’s fixtures, Ba plays Navua at 1pm, Lautoka plays Nasinu at 3pm, Suva battles Rewa at 5pm while Labasa takes on Nadi at 7pm.
You can catch the live commentaries of the Ba Navua, Suva Rewa and Labasa Nadi match on Radio Sargam.
Earlier today :
Nasinu created the first major upset of the tournament after they beat Suva 1-0.
Marlon Tahioa scored the winning goal in the first half. Nasinu played well and players such as Luke Savu, Jasnit Vikash and Epeli Loaniceva had good games for Nasinu.
Suva on the other hand had a number of star players such as Christopher Wasasala, Ravinesh Karan Singh, Sairusi Nalaubu and Filipe Baravilala but they failed to live up to expectations.
Navua also created a major upset as they beat defending champions Labasa by 1-0.
Apisai Smith scored the winning goal in the second half.
Navua goalkeeper, Josaia Ratu played gallantly as he made a number of saves to ensure Navua got their win.
Western giants, Nadi and Ba played out a 2-all draw in a match that saw Ba take the lead twice.
Darold Kakasi scored twice for Ba once in the first half and then in the second half but goals from Rusiate Matarerega and Napolioni Qasevakatini ensured that Nadi and Ba spilt the points.
Ba’s Abbu Zahid was also shown a red card for elbowing Nadi’s Vuniuci Tikomaimereke in the first half.
