Auckland City FC draw capital blank
WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Auckland City FC and Team Wellington have drawn blank in their OFC Champions League semi-final first leg clash at David Farrington Park.
Auckland City FC had the best most clear-cut chances throughout the match but a combination of the post and fine goalkeeping kept the scores level.
Emiliano Tade almost gave the Navy Blues the lead when he saw Scott Basalaj palm his deflected free-kick out for a corner early on.
Team Wellington then had a gilt-edged opportunity present itself when Reid Drake's wayward backpass caught Angel Berlanga off balance only for Enaut Zubikarai to block Angus Kilkolly's effort.
Within a minute of that Basalaj then clipped another ball into the feet of Tade who then ran in at the goalkeeper only for the Team Wellington number one to spread himself wide to block his effort.
HIGHLIGHTS | All the best bits from the first leg semi-final between @TeamWelly & @AucklandCity_FC at Dave F this afternoon. Inseparable after 90m means the return leg is shaping up nicely for some delightfully comeptitive football https://t.co/8Yj7yoCxds #OFCCL #WLGAUC
— OFC Champions League (@OFCChampsLeague) April 22, 2018
Shortly before the break there was an anxious moment for the visitors when Nathanel Hailemariam collided with Enaut Zubikarai.
Zubikarai pulled off a similarly brave save in the second half when he punched away a Mario Illich corner that nearly fell at the feet of Scott Hilliar.
The best chance of the match for the visitors arrived when a Dan Morgan long throw was flicked on by Kris Bright for Tade who beat the static defence and Basalaj only to see his weak shot bounce the upright then cleared.
The result gave Auckland City FC its 15th consecutive cleansheet since January of this year.
Next week's second leg kicks off at Kiwitea Street at 12.30pm. If the match finishes 0-0, extra time will be played and if required, penalties.
Ends
Match Result
OFC Champions League Semi-Final 1st leg
Sunday 22 April 2018
Auckland City FC 0
Team Wellington 0
HT: 0-0
AC: Zubikarai (GK), White (Rogers 43'), Berlanga, Hudson-Wihongi, R Drake; Morgan, Peverley, Howieson; Bright (Lea'alafa 60'), Tade, McCowatt.
Subs not used: Tracey (GK), Wilkins, Parker-Price, Graham.
Coach: Ramon Tribulietx
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Player Profiles
Table
| Position | P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | AC | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 9 |
| 2 |  | BO | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| 3 |  | TC | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| 4 |  | AF | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 5 |  | AU | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| 6 |  | BU | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| 7 |  | EB | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 8 |  | FU | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 9 |  | WS | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 10 |  | ES | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 11 |  | MN | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 12 |  | WR | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 0 |
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