Solomon Kings FC and Tahiti United have settled for a share of the points, following a 0-0 draw at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland.
Twice Tahiti United found the back of the net, only to be denied by the offside flag, in a contest that struggled for too many moments of quality.
It marks the first goalless draw of the OFC Pro League – coming on the final match day of the opening round of the competition in Auckland.
Having both had their midweek fixtures postponed due to heavy rain across the city, both sides were taking to the field for just the second time.
Solomon Kings FC coach Ben Cahn named the same starting side that beat PNG Hekari FC in their opener – keeping Japanese midfielder Sota Higashide on the bench after scoring the lone goal in the 1-0 win at Eden Park.
Meanwhile, Samuel Garcia made one injury-enforced change to his eleven, replacing Jackson Gardner with Teave Teamotuaitau in goal, following a heartbreaking late 2-1 defeat to South Melbourne FC six days prior.
The Kings best moment of the first half came inside the first five minutes. William Komasi’s cross into the box off the right flank found the run of centre-back Gordon Iro, who saw his first-time shot saved by Teamotuaitau.
Otherwise, the Solomon Kings found moving the ball forward difficult throughout and continually came under pressure from the Tahitian press.
Tahiti United captain Teaonui Tehau had his side’s best chances, first watching his effort cleared off the line by defender Javin Wae after lifting the ball over the head of Phillip Mango in the Solomon Kings goal.
He then had a goal ruled out near the half-hour mark, nodding the ball past Mango, only to be caught offside from the cross by Matéo Degrumelle.
Matatia Paama instead came up clutch down the other end for Tahiti United, sliding in to deny Raphael Le’ai with a challenge in front of his own goal just moments before the half-time break.
The offside flag again proved Tahiti’s nemesis at the start of the second half, Germain Haewegene picking out the bottom-left corner, but having his goal disallowed.
A classy deft scorpion touch from Manuarii Shan unlocked the Kings defence soon after as well, but the striker fired his final shot over the bar from close range.
Having been a constant in Auckland throughout the week, the rain returned to North Harbour Stadium for periods of the contest.
Solomon Kings FC coach Ben Cahn brought on super-sub Sota Higashide at half-time, and just as he did a week before – the Japanese midfielder injected some energy. Higashide went down in the box following a challenge from Paama, but on second look, the VAR ruled there had been no infringement.
Tahiti United’s own substitute, Mana Teniau, had the final chance, striking wide of the right post from close range, and condemning the game to a goalless draw.
Both teams now set their sights on the second round of the competition in Papua New Guinea. Solomon Kings FC leave Auckland undefeated with four points from their two games, whilst Tahiti United depart with just the solitary point.
Solomon Kings FC: 0
Tahiti United: 0
HT: 0-0
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek