Defending OFC Champions League winners Auckland City played out an entertaining opening day draw against Fiji’s Rewa FC at Stade Paea in Tahiti on Saturday (Sunday NZ Time).
After a slow first half, the match sparked into life in the second 45 minutes, with four goals coming in less than 20 minutes.
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City captain Cameron 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 only lasted a little over 10 minutes, however, when 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’s 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 level matters.
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 of the midday kick-off was taking its toll as the match neared the final whistle. Howieson came close to a second in the final minute of regulation time, his close-range shot saved at the second attempt by Sevanaia.
City face Papua New Guinea's Hekari United in their second match on Tuesday (kick-off 10am Wednesday NZT).
Rewa FC 2 (Josaia Sela 62′, 65′) Auckland City FC 2 (Cameron Howieson 50′, Ryan de Vries 67′). HT: 0-0
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