Solomon Kings FC and Tahiti United have settled for a share of the points as their match ended in a 0-0 draw at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland.  

Tahiti United found the back of the net twice. Yet, they were denied by the offside flag. The contest struggled for too many moments of quality.

It marks the first goalless draw of the OFC Pro League. This occurred on the final match day of the opening round of the competition in Auckland.  

Both sides had their midweek fixtures postponed due to heavy rain across the city. They were taking to the field for just the second time.  

Solomon Kings FC coach Ben Cahn named the same starting side that beat PNG Hekari FC in their opener. He kept Japanese midfielder Sota Higashide on the bench. Higashide had scored the lone goal in the 1-0 win at Eden Park.  

Meanwhile, Samuel Garcia made one injury-enforced change to his eleven. He replaced Jackson Gardner with Teave Teamotuaitau in goal. This change followed a heartbreaking late 2-1 defeat to South Melbourne FC six days prior.  

The Kings best moment of the first half came inside the first five minutes. William Komasi’s cross into the box off the right flank found the run of centre-back Gordon Iro, who saw his first-time shot saved by Teamotuaitau.

Matatia Paama came up clutch for Tahiti United. He slid in to deny Raphael Le’ai with a challenge in front of his own goal. This happened just moments before the half-time break.  

The offside flag was a problem for Tahiti again at the start of the second half. Germain Haewegene picked out the bottom-left corner, however, his goal was disallowed.  

A classy deft scorpion touch from Manuarii Shan unlocked the Kings defence soon after. The striker fired his final shot over the bar from close range.  

The rain was a constant in Auckland throughout the week. It returned to North Harbour Stadium for periods of the contest.  

Solomon Kings FC coach Ben Cahn brought on super-sub Sota Higashide at half-time. Just as he did a week before, the Japanese midfielder injected some energy.

Higashide went down in the box after a challenge from Paama. However, the VAR reviewed it and ruled it as there had been no infringement.

Tahiti United’s own substitute, Mana Teniau, had the final chance. He struck wide of the right post from close range. This condemned the game to a goalless draw.  

Both teams now set their sights on the second round of the competition in Papua New Guinea.

The Kings leave Auckland undefeated with four points from their two games. Tahiti United departs with just the solitary point.

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Solomon Kings FC: 0
Tahiti United: 0 

HT: 0-0