Auckland United FC have drawn 1 -1 with Labasa FC in the opening round of the 2024 OFC Champions League.

After dominating the match from the opening whistle and going close to scoring on a number occasions in the first half, Auckland United were unable to capitalise with both sides hitting the sheds at halftime 0 - 0.

It was more of the same in the second half with United dominating for long periods until eventually Bree Johnson put us ahead 1 - 0 before Labasa FC was awarded a controversial late penalty to make it 1 - 1.

United then had a golden chance to go ahead again and clinch the victory in the final minute of 7 that had been added, but alas, as the ball bobbled around in the 6 yard box Rene Wasi could only come within a whisker of connecting as the ball sailed on by.

Whilst the team will be disappointed not to have claimed all 3 points, they can certainly be proud of what they put out on the pitch.

Alexis Cook was awarded Player of the Match after another all-energy performance that caused plenty of issues for the Labasa FC defence as she made darting runs down the right hand flank all day long.

Kickoff times for our remaining pool games against AS Academy Féminine on Thursday and Veitongo on Sunday have now been brought forward to 2:00PM NZT and can be streamed live on FIFA+.