Tahiti United scored twice in second-half stoppage time to come from 3-1 down and secure a dramatic 3-3 draw against South Island United.
Both sides are very much in the mix for a Leaders Group spot as Round 5 continues, with just three points separating the two teams before kick off.
South Island United goalkeeper Steven Van Dijk was a late withdrawal, replaced by Callum Kennett, who was forced into a good save from the game’s first real chance.
The ever-dangerous Germain Haewegene found space on the edge of the area and drilled a well-hit shot, which Kennett was able to athletically palm away.
Haewegene had an even better chance soon after. A ball over the top finding the forward, who showed a lack of composure in lifting a tame effort over the bar when under little pressure.
It was the New Zealand side however who would lead at the break. David Yoo with an excellent effort, drifting from right-to-left across the edge of the area before drilling a shot past Teave Teamotuaitau to break the deadlock.
Sam Garcia responded by bringing on the influential Teaonui Tehau in hopes of finding an equaliser in the second-half.
It was a decision that produced almost immediate dividends, when Tehau drew his side level. The No.10 finishing from close range after Haewegene burst down the right-hand side and crossed for his unmarked team mate.
Parity however lasted just four minutes. Tahiti United failed to deal with a fairly simple ball into their penalty box and Ryan Feutz reacted first, creating space for himself and sliding the ball under Teamotuaitau to restore South Island United’s lead.
Ten minutes later and Feutz had the chance to score his second and his side’s third, when Ry McLeod was upended in the penalty area by Pothin Poma, leaving referee Kavitesh Behari with little choice other than to award the spot-kick.
Feutz made no mistake from 12 yards, firing past Teamotuaitau to make it 3-1 and put the Kiwi side in charge
The prolific forward was in the action again, played through by a neat pass from David Yoo, Feutz rounded ‘keeper Teamotuaitau, only to be brought down, with Behari once again pointing to the penalty spot.
A lengthy VAR check followed, with the referee called for a on-field review, resulting in the decision being reversed and providing a welcome reprieve for Tahiti United.
It was a reprieve they would make the most of. Tehau once again making the difference, drifting into a similar space as his first goal and again finishing via a cross from the right, this time by Matatia Paama to reduce the arrears to one.
The comeback was complete just minutes later. Substitute Franck Papaura picking up the ball on the left-hand side, before cutting inside and dragging an effort back across Kennett, beating the ‘keeper at his near post to level the score.
Tahiti United were the ones looking more likely to nick a winner but a draw was a fair result on the balance of play.
South Island United: 3 (David YOO 43′, Ryan FEUTZ 57′, (P) 67′)
Tahiti United: 3 (Teaonui TEHAU 53′, 90+1′, Franck PAPAURA 90+6′)
HT: 1-0
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek