Pacific rivals share the points as Solomon Kings and Tahiti United draw in Auckland rain

Solomon Kings FC and Tahiti United had to settle for a share of the points after a goalless draw at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland on Saturday, in a match shaped by tight decisions and missed chances.

It was the first 0-0 result of the OFC Pro League and came on the final match day of the opening round, which brought Pacific clubs together in challenging weather conditions in New Zealand.

Both teams were playing only their second match of the competition. Their midweek fixtures had been postponed due to heavy rain across Auckland, and wet conditions again played a part, with showers returning during the game.

Solomon Kings coach Ben Cahn stuck with the same starting line-up that beat PNG side Hekari FC 1-0 in their opener. That meant Japanese midfielder Sota Higashide, the match-winner in that game, again started on the bench.

Tahiti United coach Samuel Garcia was forced into one change after injury, bringing goalkeeper Teave Teamotuaitau into the starting eleven following their late 2–1 loss to South Melbourne FC earlier in the week.

The Kings started brightly and nearly took the lead inside five minutes. William Komasi crossed from the right and centre-back Gordon Iro met it first time, but Teamotuaitau made a strong save.

Tahiti United push forward during the first half in Auckland, but goals were ruled out as both sides shared the points in the OFC Pro League. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

Tahiti United responded through their captain Teaonui Tehau, who was at the centre of much of the action. His first effort beat the goalkeeper but was cleared off the line by Javin Wae. Soon after, Tehau headed the ball into the net, only for the offside flag to deny him.

At the other end, Tahiti defender Matatia Paama made a vital sliding tackle just before half-time to stop Raphael Le’ai from scoring.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Tahiti thought they had taken the lead again when Germain Haewegene found the bottom corner, but once more the goal was ruled out for offside.

Manuarii Shan then showed great skill with a clever touch to open up the Kings' defence, but fired over the bar from close range.

Ben Cahn brought on Sota Higashide at half-time, and the midfielder once again lifted the tempo for Solomon Kings. He went down in the penalty area after a challenge, but VAR confirmed there was no foul.

Tahiti substitute Mana Teniau had the final chance of the match, shooting wide from close range late on.

The draw means Solomon Kings FC leave Auckland unbeaten, with four points from two matches. Tahiti United take one point as both teams now turn their focus to the second round of the OFC Pro League, which will be played in Papua New Guinea.

In the other match played on Saturday, South Melbourne FC have recorded consecutive OFC Pro League victories, defeating PNG Hekari FC 5-0 to wrap up the opening round of the competition in Auckland.

For more information, fixtures, and results of the 2026 OFC Pro League, click here.