AS PTT have come from a goal down to claim a 2-2 draw with Southern Legions FC on the second day of the OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League 2025 at Vodafone Arena in Suva.
Southern Legions FC took a surprise lead to the break, but AS PTT struck back to grab a share of the points following a three-goal flurry inside the final ten minutes.
The result means both clubs remain unbeaten through their first two games, but extends AS PTT’s overall unbeaten streak at the competition to seven, dating back to their only loss in the 2019 final.
Goals were hard to come by despite an action-packed start. Emmanuel Hmaen scored AS PTT’s first goal of the tournament against Mattaks FC, and came close to opening the scoring against the Vanuatu representatives, rattling the base of the right post with an effort on his right foot.
Southern Legions captain Keshly Joseph missed two great one-on-one chances midway through the first half, but gave his team a shock lead in the 17th minute, linking with Kemly Lehi to give his team the advantage at half-time.
Joseph was everywhere for Southern Legions and came close to scoring a second when he struck the top of the crossbar on his right foot to start the second half.
AS PTT were staring down the barrel of their first-ever defeat at the group stage of an OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League, and just their second at the tournament overall, the longer they remained behind on the scoreboard.
Eventually they got the breakthrough though, Robert Forest diverting a long-range shot from Darrell Gnahou with his head into the back of the net, to level it up for AS PTT on the half-hour mark.
That brought the defending champions to life, and two-time OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League Golden Ball winner Christ Pei. Three minutes later he put AS PTT ahead with a long-range effort that deflected off Emannuel Iopa in goal.
Just as AS PTT thought they’d turned the tide, Kemly Lehi equalised again for Southern Legions, striking a powerful right-footed effort into the top of the net that sparked wild celebrations on the bench.
Pei had the chance to provide one last twist and the winner for AS PTT, but turned and pulled a close-range effort just wide of the bottom-left corner with two minutes to play.
Both teams are back in action tomorrow at Vodafone Arena. Southern Legions FC open the day with a blockbuster clash against the Waikato Rapids, whilst AS PTT will take on hosts Suva Futsal Club.
Southern Legions FC: 2 (Keshly JOSEPH 17’, Kemly LEHI 35’)
AS PTT: 2 (Robert FORREST 30’, Christ PEI 33’)
HT: 1-0
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek