Vanuatu United FC and Tahiti United opened up Round 2 of the OFC Pro League in Papua New Guinea with a highly entertaining draw at Santos National Football Stadium.
Both sides were searching for their first victory following Round 1 in Auckland, where they had impressed but struggled to pick up points.
That perhaps explained a rather disjointed and messy first-half, with nether side looking particularly threatening in the opening stages.
It was against the run of play however that the deadlock was broken. Vanuatu United’s corner was cleared and when Owen Smith was dispossessed, the ball was threated through to Germain Haewegene, who finished well past Matt Acton.
It was a lead that lasted just eleven minutes however, when Alex Saniel was fouled in the area by Tahiti United ‘keeper Teave Teamotuaitau. A penalty was awarded following a short VAR check and Owen Smith confidently stroked home from 12 yards.
In stark contrast to the first-half, the second period opened at a frenetic pace, with both sides looking dangerous in search of a go-ahead goal.
It would be Tahiti United captain Teaonui Tehau who found it, ghosting through the Vanuatu United backline and slotting well past Acton to give Sam Garcia’s side the lead.
Just moments later however that lead evaporated. William Cardona taking advantage of Teamotuaitau’s failure to deal with a cross and expertly guiding his effort into the top corner for his second of the season.
The action slowed as the minutes ticked down, perhaps understandably in the heat and humidity in Port Moresby, with both sides having to settle for a point to kick off Round 2.
Vanuatu United FC: 2 (Owen SMITH (P) 38′, William CARDONA 58′)
Tahiti United: 2 (Germain HAEWEGENE 27′, Teaonui TEHAU 56′)
HT: 1-1
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek