EIGHT-TIME champion Ba sent Rewa packing from the 2019 Vodafone Fiji FACT after defeating the defending champion 3-1 in their final group game at Churchill Park in Lautok yesterday.
The Ronil Kumar coached Men in Black were dominant in attack, especially in the second half.
Lanky striker Saula Waqa opened the account for Ba in the 26th minute after connecting with a cross from Darold Kakasi.
Ba led 1-0 at the break. Ba grew with confidence in the second spell.
Mohammed Shazil doubled Ba’s advantage in the 49th minute with an easy tap in. Ratu Dau scored from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute.
Gabrieli Matanisiga netted for the Delta Tigers two minutes later.
Ba team manager Arvin Singh said the aim was to top their group. Singh said they performed well yesterday.
“Rewa gave us a tough time but I guess our boys withstood the pressure and had the confidence to get the three points,” he said.
“We were shocked by Nasinu with the 2-all draw and it was a motivating factor for the boys to lift themselves against Rewa.”
The Delta Tigers needed to beat Ba to stand a chance of defending their title they had won last year in Nausori however fell short recording one win and two losses in the tournament.
Rewa coach Pita Rabo said it was the end for them in the Fiji FACT and they could to build on the momentum from day one.
“The players did their best but it was not enough to take us through to the semi-finals,” Rabo said.
“We will now concentrate on the Vodafone Premier League since we are at the bottom half of the points table. We will play Ba in the VPL next and we will prepare for that match in two weeks.”
Ba: Misiwani Narube, Sitiveni Cavuilagi, Ratu Dau, Darold Kakasi, Abbu Zahid, Shazil Ali, Ilimotama Jese, Malakai Rakula, Saula Waqa, Malakai Tiwa, Narend Rao.
Rewa: Jovilisi Borosi, Peniame Drova, Josateki Tamudu, Josefata Neibuli, Anish Khem, Setareki Hughes (capatin), Gabrieli Matanisiga, Tevita Waranaivalu, Taione Kerevanua, Kolasito Posiano, Jonetani Buksh.
