Nikao Sokattak went down to Fiji’s Rewa FC 1-3 in their opening game of the OFC Champions League 2022 at Ngahue Reserve in Auckland.

Abbu Zahid’s brace and Tevita Waranaivalu’s strike earned the win for the Fijian side but Mark Leito created history by scoring his side’s first ever goal in the main stage of the region’s flagship competition.

Rewa enjoyed a perfect start, albeit in fortuitous fashion. Rusiate Matarerega’s effort from range deflected into the path of Zahid to score within the opening two minutes.

Nikao Sokattak responded well to the early set-back and immediately set to causing Rewa’s defence problems, captain Stephen Willis’s long throws and Grover Harmon’s dead ball skills causing issues.

Julius David had a shot deflected wide before Toru Mateariki and Nuku Mokoroa both had opportunities for the Cook Islands side.

Matarerega was then denied by the formidable Tahiri Elikana in the Nikao Sokattak goal before Rewa bookended the opening period with goals. The Fijian side led 2-0 at the break.

Rewa will take on Auckland City in their second Group B clash on Sunday (Cook Islands time) with the New Zealanders on a high after winning 5-0 against reigning champions Hienghène Sport, who await Nikao Sokattak in their second fixture later the same day.

• OFC Media