As many fans expected, domestic rivals Team Wellington and Auckland City were inseparable in the first leg of their OFC Champions League semi-final which ended in a 0-0 draw at Dave Farrington Park in Wellington on Sunday afternoon.

Having most recently met in a tightly-contested national ISPS Handa Premiership final, which Auckland City won 1-0, Sunday’s first meeting between the two sides at regional level since the 2017 OFC Champions League final was expected to be another close race.

While the home side were quickest to find their rhythm, it was Auckland City who had the first decent chance when an Emiliano Tade free kick was curled just over the cross bar on 10 minutes.

The Navy Blues’ confidence grew as Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi forced a fantastic save from Team Wellington’s goalkeeper Scott Basalaj.

Wellington weren’t without chances of their own, Angus Kilkolly’s one-on-one effort with City goalkeeper Enaut Zubikarai was a close call and a short time later he had another brilliant opportunity which he put just over the cross bar on the volley.

As the clock started counting down in the second half, not even the introduction of fleet-footed playmaker Micah Lea’alafa could break down Wellington’s defence, while the home side were finding it equally difficult to challenge their rivals.

Team Wellington coach Jose Figueira said with any match the objective is to win but, given the semi-final extends over two legs, he’s happy with how the game turned out. 

“We said earlier in the week it’s not just one match. It’s 180 minutes of a semi-final and we’re only half way through it now,” he explained.

“I think today we gave absolutely everything and it was a shame we didn’t take one of the clear-cut chances we had to give us an advantage going into next week’s match.”

Auckland City coach Ramon Tribulietx also pointed to the two legs being a factor requiring consideration but was certainly disappointed an away goal wasn’t forthcoming.

“I’m happy with the effort and the way we competed,” he said.

“We know the difficulties of travelling down here. We didn’t get an away goal which is not good for us but the way we competed in the game, especially in the moments were it became very even and very transitional, we were good. We also didn’t concede and that’s important too.”

Tribulietx pointed to a couple of clear-cut chances for his side having the potential to have changed the outcome but admitted they were let off in a couple of cases as well. 

“We had to concentrate on not letting them get chances where they can hurt you and score, it’s difficult and at times our approach worked but at others it didn’t. That’s what we need to look at ahead of next week.”

The two sides will meet again in the second leg this Sunday at Kiwitea Street in Auckland where there will be everything to play for.

In the first leg of the other semi-final, Fiji's Lautoka came behind to draw 1-1 with Solomon Islands opponents Marist. 

OFC Champions League Semi-Finals First Leg

Team Wellington 0
Auckland City 0
HT: 0-0

Lautoka 1 (Osea Vakatalesau 49')
Marist 1 (Davidson Tome 36')
HT: 0-1