The brand new OFC Pro League kicked off with a bang, delivering an instant classic as South Melbourne edged out Tahiti United 2-1 in a thrilling first-round encounter at Auckland’s Eden Park. It was a match that had everything: early dominance, a determined comeback, and a sensational late winner.
Tahiti United started strong, showcasing their flair and taking a deserved 1-0 lead into halftime thanks to a magnificent free-kick from Manaurii Shan in the 36th minute. Shan’s curved shot left the South Melbourne goalkeeper with no chance, igniting hopes for the island nation. Tahiti’s defense held firm, frustrating their Australian opponents for much of the first half.
However, the second half saw a different South Melbourne emerge. Just after the restart, Yuki Uchida, later named Player of the Match, unleashed a powerful strike from inside the box following a corner-kick, leveling the score and injecting new life into the game.
With the clock winding down and the scores tied 1-1, substitute Andrew Mesourouni became the hero. A free-kick just outside the Tahiti box presented the perfect opportunity, and Mesourouni delivered, curling the ball expertly over the defensive wall and into the net for the winning goal. Tahiti United players were left dejected, but their performance earned praise from coach Samuel Garcia, who lauded his team’s “traditional Tahiti football.” Uchida, meanwhile, celebrated the “comeback” win.
This exciting opener, alongside Auckland FC’s 3-0 victory over South Island United, sets a high bar for the new league, promising more thrilling football as eight teams from across Oceania vie for Pacific supremacy and a chance to develop talent on a bigger stage.
