Ryan Feutz came off the bench to score twice, as South Island United secured a point in an entertaining 2-2 draw with Tahiti United.
Sam Garcia will be disappointed his side were unable to take all three points, as they led twice only to concede in the closing stages at Olympic Park.
Tahiti United were by far the brighter side in the opening 45 minutes and will rue a number of missed chances, leading only 1-0 going into the break.
That goal came from a magnificent header from Germain Haewegene, powering home from a Bradley Ruiz corner-kick.
Joseph Athale almost doubled the lead shortly after but fired his well-hit shot just over from the edge of the penalty area.
Captain Teanoui Tehau had a glorious chance to score but was denied by an outstanding save from Steven van Dijk when bearing down from close range.
At the other end, Jackson Manuel came closest for the New Zealanders, crashing a dipping free-kick off the crossbar, with goalkeeper Jackson Gardner beaten.
Feutz entered the action at half-time and it didn’t take long for the powerful forward to make an impact.
Receiving the ball inside the area, the striker turned superbly to create space, before expertly placing his effort into the far corner to level the score.
South Island United, buoyed by the equaliser, should have taken the lead but Oliver Fay scuffed his effort from ten yards out after a low cross from Ry McLeod.
It had taken Tahiti United a while to respond to the early setback, but they eventually found their stride and it was no surprise when the duo of Bradley Ruiz and Teaonui Tehau led to their second goal.
The latter controlling a low effort from the former, before calmly tucking past Van Dijk from a few yards out.
It seemed set for the Tahitians to take all three points but Feutz was again the man for Rob Sherman’s side. This time breaking the offside trap and finishing smartly into the far corner to again level matters.
It finished 2-2, with a point apiece a decent start for both sides as they kick off Round 3.
Tahiti United: 2 (Germain HAEWEGENE 18′, Teaonui TEHAU 65′)
South Island United: 2 (Ryan FEUTZ 48′, 86′)
HT: 1-0
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek