Rewa FC 3-2 Nasinu FC: Late Winner Settles Five-Goal International Club Friendly Thriller

Rewa FC edged Nasinu FC 3-2 in an entertaining international club friendly on Saturday, 12 September 2026, with a late goal at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori deciding a contest that swung one way and then the other. The match served as a valuable preparation fixture for both Fijian clubs, but the intensity and drama suggested far more than a routine warm-up.

Rewa led early, surrendered the advantage, moved ahead again, and were pegged back once more before finding the winning moment in the closing stages. The 3-2 scoreline reflected the open nature of the game, with both sides committing numbers forward and creating chances throughout the 90 minutes.

Match Overview

• Competition: International Club Friendly
• Home Team: Rewa FC
• Away Team: Nasinu FC
• Final Score: Rewa FC 3-2 Nasinu FC
• Date: Saturday, 12 September 2026
• Kick-off: 12:30 local time
• Venue: Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori

With no league points at stake, the friendly offered both coaches a chance to assess squad depth, experiment with formations, and give minutes to players pushing for bigger roles in the domestic campaign. Rewa used the match to sharpen their attacking patterns, while Nasinu showed plenty of resilience and counter-attacking threat.

Key Moments in the Five-Goal Contest

Rewa started with purpose and took the lead in the 18th minute when Savenaca Bale found space inside the penalty area and finished calmly past the Nasinu goalkeeper. It was a goal that rewarded Rewa's early pressure and their willingness to attack down the flanks.

Nasinu responded well rather than folding. Their equaliser arrived in the 33rd minute through Tevita Vakatawa, who latched onto a quick transition and beat the Rewa defence with a well-placed shot. That goal changed the mood of the match and gave Nasinu confidence to press higher.

Rewa regained the lead in the 54th minute. Meli Nakama, influential throughout the middle third, arrived late in the box and converted a measured effort to make it 2-1. At that point, Rewa looked likely to take control, but Nasinu had other ideas.

Nasinu equalised for a second time in the 76th minute when Peni Tuilagi produced a composed finish after a sustained spell of pressure. The away side's bench erupted, and for a few minutes it seemed the friendly might end level.

Rewa had the final say in the 82nd minute. Jone Radrodro, who had been probing all afternoon, struck the decisive goal with a low finish that restored Rewa's lead at 3-2. Nasinu pushed for a late third equaliser, but Rewa managed the closing minutes well enough to protect the result.

Tactical Story: Width, Transitions, and Midfield Control

Rewa's approach was built around patient build-up and overloads in wide areas. Their full-backs pushed high, allowing the wingers to drift inside and create numerical advantages near the penalty box. That structure produced a number of crossing opportunities and helped Rewa dominate long stretches of possession.

Nasinu, by contrast, were at their most dangerous in transition. Their equalisers came from moments when they won the ball in midfield and attacked quickly before Rewa could reset. The direct running of Vakatawa and Tuilagi caused problems, especially when Rewa's defensive line stepped too far forward.

The difference ultimately came down to Rewa's ability to create one more clear moment in the final third. Their third goal was the product of sustained pressure and quick ball movement, and it highlighted why the side remains a difficult opponent in Fijian football.

Standout Players

Meli Nakama was central to Rewa's best passages of play. His goal was well taken, but his distribution and late runs into the box repeatedly unsettled Nasinu's midfield. He linked defence and attack efficiently and looked comfortable setting the tempo.

Jone Radrodro will take the headlines for the winning goal. Beyond the finish, his movement and persistence kept Rewa's attacking phase alive during the second half. He was a constant outlet when Rewa needed a moment of composure.

For Nasinu, Tevita Vakatawa and Peni Tuilagi were the standout performers. Both players scored and caused Rewa problems with their direct running. Their ability to punish turnovers gave Nasinu a genuine route back into the match on multiple occasions.

What the Result Means

This was a friendly, so no league standings were affected and no points were awarded. Even so, the match offered useful information for both camps. Rewa will be pleased with their