Veteran goalkeeper Simone Tamanisau’s experience proved the difference in yesterday’s 8-7 victory over Ba in their Punjas Battle of the Giants semifinal clash at Churchill Park in Lautoka.

Tamanisau pulled off saves against Jonetani Newa, Mitieli Naivoro, Malakai Tiwa and Junior Singh.

The shootout was decided at the ninth kick with Inoke Turagalala pushing the ball past the young and upcoming Ba goalkeeper Isikeli Seva Junior.

Naiviro had minutes earlier missed for Ba which set the platform for Rewa to clinch the match at the death.

What happened: Both teams were cautious as they size each keen to strike the rhythm early.

With both midfields controlling play, it was left to the players on the flanks to create the openings

While some of Ba’s attacks looked good, finishing was the letdown with the attack trio Samuela Drudru, Sanaila Waqanicakau and Naviro missing the targets.

Rewa brothers Setareki and Bruce Hughes close bond began to materialize as they controlled play with crisp passes.

Rewa’s efforts finally paid off in the 32nd minute when striker Josaia Sela edged Rewa ahead 1-0.

He was however dealt a cruel blow minutes later when he was stretchered off the field and into an ambulance to the Lautoka Hospital with a suspected fractured shin.

Rewa players rewarded him with a second goal from a deft left footer by Setareki four minutes before halftime for Rewa to lead Ba 2-0.

Halftime: Rewa 2-0 Ba

Rewa came out with more enthusiasm to score after the break but could not add to their tally with near misses.

In the 68th minute Narend Rao for Ba then latched on to a well-timed pass from Josefa Newa beat Tamanisau to narrow the gap 2-1.

Just when Rewa thought a final berth was sealed, Ba’s Abbu Zahid spoiled the party when he tapped in a fumble by Tamanisau who had misjudged a header by Newa to take both teams into extra time with the score at 2-2.

Extra time: In the 4th minute of the second spell of extra time, Ba’s Manasa Nawakula was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

Penalty shootout: Rewa scorers – Inoke Turagalailai, Patrick Joseph, Anish Khem, Gabriele Cabenalawa Matanisiga, Kavaia Rawaqa, Mohammed Naizal.

Ba scorers – Kalaveti Sivoi, Abbu Zahid, Ilimotama Jese, Summit Goundar, Mohammed Mobeem.

Comments: Rewa coach Marika Rodu said: “This win is dedicated to Josaia Sela who scored the first goal and was later injured.

“I’d fail in my job if I didn’t give credit to the Lord. The boys will have to go back and prepare for the final. “We were forced to make a sub and that turned things around for us.

“I take my hat off for the Ba team for coming out strong.”

Ba team manager Ranveer Singh said:“We made a comeback and we did, it’s hard for us because the penalty is anyone’s game.

“We believed in our boys but it was hard luck for us. We shift our focus to our Vodafone Premier League, we need to work on our structure, one day we will come out victorious.”
Line-up

Ba: Isikeli Seva Jnr, Kalaveti Sivoi, Manasa Nawakula, Darold Kakasi, Abbu Zahid, Ilimotama Jese, Jonetani Newa, Samuela Drudru, Narend Rao, Sanaila Waqanicakau, Mitieli Naiviro

Rewa: Simione Tamanisau, Peniame Drova, Inoke Turagalailai, Parick Joseph, Anish Khem, Setareki Hughes, Bruce Hughes, Gabirieli Matanisiga, Tevita Waranaivalu, Josaia Sela, Kavaia Rawaqa.
Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback: nicolette.chambers@ijisun.com.fj