Tiga Sport Strike First in OFC Men's Champions League 2025

Tiga Sport of New Caledonia got their 2025 OFC Men's Champions League campaign off to a strong start amidst the sweltering heat of Honiara, Solomon Islands. Led by Léo Lopès, the team delivered an impressive performance, showcasing their strong competitive spirit. Their victory marks a promising beginning to their journey in the competition.

Tiga Sport defeated Rewa FC 4-2, partly due to the Fijian side playing with only 10 men for two-thirds of the match. Rewa FC fought valiantly, but Tiga Sport's goals in both halves proved to be a piercing blow. This victory highlights Tiga Sport's ability to capitalize on opportunities and maintain their composure throughout the game.

A stunning volley from Gérald Waya in first-half stoppage time restored Tiga Sport's lead. Five minutes into the second half, Gutaixen Wadra scored, extending the New Caledonian side's advantage to two goals. Six minutes later, Léo Lopès's team further increased their lead with a goal from Githreem Upa from a tight angle. Despite this, the Fijian team did not give up, and John Oruibulu reduced the deficit in the 72nd minute, scoring amidst a goalmouth scramble.

Rewa FC started the first half more strongly and had an excellent scoring opportunity early on. Gabriel Matanisiga delivered a corner kick, which he headed just wide from an unmarked position on the edge of the six-yard box. A few minutes later, Tiga Sport took the lead. Gérald Waya was brought down in the box by Rewa defender Leon Kofana, and Mickaël Partodikromo converted the penalty in the 14th minute.

The Fijian team's situation worsened in the 28th minute. Kavaia Rawaqa was shown a straight red card by referee Arnold Tari for striking Tiga Sport midfielder Pierre Iwawa in the face. Iwawa had previously received a yellow card for a foul. Being a man down and trailing by a goal, Rewa's prospects looked bleak. Surprisingly, they equalized two minutes later. Epeli Valevu dispossessed a player outside the box and passed to John Oruibulu, whose shot was saved by Tiga Sport goalkeeper Thomas Schmidt, but Valevu followed up to score.

Matanisiga had a chance to put Rewa ahead in the 35th minute, but his shot went just wide. Before the end of the first half, a shot from distance by Patrick Joseph forced Schmidt into a fine save to his right. Disciplinary issues severely impacted the Fijian team, as they had four players booked in the first half, in addition to Rawaqa's red card. These disciplinary lapses ultimately hindered their ability to maintain momentum.

Before Waya's late goal, Tiga Sport had several opportunities to regain the lead. Final score: Tiga Sport 4 (Mickaël Partodikromo pen 14’, Gérald Waya 45+9”, Gutaixen Wadra 50’, Githreem Upa 56’); Rewa FC 1 (Epeli Valevu 30’, John Oruibulu 72'). Halftime score: 2-1. Source: OFC Media Release.