Solomon Islands duo Calvin Ohasio and Norman Ngafu made their debut for Fiji’s Rewa FC, helping the Delta Tigers secure a 1–0 win over Labasa FA in the first leg of the Pillay Garment’s Champion vs Champion (CVC) on Sunday at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori.
Played in front of more than 1,000 fans despite wet ground conditions, Mosese Nabose proved the difference, scoring in the 7th minute to give Rewa an early advantage heading into Saturday’s decisive second leg.
Fellow Solomon Islander and Rewa FC goalkeeper James Do’oro also delivered a standout performance, earning a clean sheet in his return from injury.
Speaking to Star Sports, Ohasio and Ngafu admitted the challenge of joining the squad just days before the fixture but expressed optimism about the season ahead with the Delta Tigers.
“Sunday’s match was our first competitive game with the team and it was tough adapting to the new environment and building combinations with my new teammates, but I’m very happy with the win and looking forward to more as we continue on,” Ngafu said.
Joining the team only last week and having just two training sessions before Sunday’s clash, former Central Coast FC defender Ohasio said adjusting would take time but was eager to give his best for the club.
“First matches are always the toughest. We tried our best to adapt to the style of play here in Fiji, and Labasa is a strong team with talented young players, but fortunately we managed to come away with the win,” Ohasio said.
Only Saturday’s second leg now stands between both players and their first title with Rewa FC.
Meanwhile, the CVC is Fiji’s annual season-opening football tournament, contested over two legs between the previous season’s top sides.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
