Defending champions Auckland City have drawn their tournament opener 2-2 with Fiji’s Rewa in the OFC Men’s Champions League at Stade Paea in Tahiti.
After a slow first half, the match sparked into life in the second 45 minutes, with four goals coming in less than twenty minutes.
Auckland City captain Cam Howieson broke the deadlock just after the break, firing in a left-footer from the edge of the box to break Rewa’s resistance.
The lead lasted a little more than ten minutes before a quick-fire double put the Fijian side in front.
Joasis Sela scored both with almost carbon copy efforts — both well-struck low efforts flashing past Auckland City goalkeeper Conor Tracey and threatening a major upset.
The experienced New Zealand side rebounded almost immediately.
Howieson found space deep in Rewa territory and played a smart through-ball for substitute Ryan De Vries, who flicked a smart finish past Isikeli Sevanaia to draw level.
Liam Gillion — who had been a constant menace to the Rewa backline — went close to a late winner, flashing an effort past the post and desperate dive of Sevanaia.
The sapping heat and humidity from a midday kick-off was taking its toll as the match neared the final whistle.
Howieson came close to a second goal in the final minute of regulation time, his close-range shot saved at the second attempt by Sevanaia.
Acknowledgement
We are grateful for the help of OFC Media in providing the information for this story.
Result
Game played on Sunday May 12, 2024 (NZT)
Rewa 2 (Josaia Sela 62′, 65′)
Auckland City 2 (Cam Howieson 50′, Ryan De Vries 67′)
Fixture
Game to be played on Sunday May 12, 2024 (NZT)
Solomon Warriors v Hekari United
Stade Paea, Tahiti, 1pm (NZT)
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