Tahiti United signed off Round 2 with their first win of the season in a low-key victory over Bula FC.
Sam Garcia’s side were desperate to finally kick their season into gear, whilst Bula FC were looking to complete an unbeaten Round 2.
Following the action-packed first fixture of the day, it was a markedly slower start to the afternoon’s match, with temperatures and humidity still high at the Santos National Football Stadium.
Tahiti United had the best of the early going, with Germain Haewegene the most dangerous outlet up front. The forward has a good effort well saved by Didier Desprez, before captain Teaonui Tehau dragged a shot wide.
Roy Krishna had been recalled into the Bula FC starting line-up by Stephane Auvray, but the veteran striker was finding it tough going to make anything stick on the rare forward forays by his side.
Both sides continued to toil in the second period, but chances remained at a premium, with neither goalkeeper being called into action.
It was appropriate then that when the first goal of the contest arrived, it was in rather innocuous circumstances.
Semi Nabenu fell to the ground when challenging in his own area, with his arm inadvertently hitting the ball. A VAR check by referee Calvin Berg saw him point to the spot and Teaonui Tehau had the perfect chance to give Tahiti United the lead.
The captain didn’t disappoint, comfortably converting into the corner to put his side ahead.
Bula FC toiled but were unable to find a way to significantly threaten Teave Teamotuaitau in the Tahiti United goal, despite 13 minutes of additional time being added at the end of the ninety.
Tehau should have doubled his tally and put the game to bed, but Desprez read the Tahiti United captain’s intentions well and stood up to save his attempted chip finish.
Bula FC thought they had a case for a penalty with seconds of stoppage time remaining, when Kaile Auvray was challenged when shooting in the area, but a VAR check deemed there had been no infringement.
Tahiti United: 1 (Teaonui TEHAU (P) 69′)
Bula FC: 0
HT: 0-0
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek