What happened: Debutant Lupe Ole Soaga FC started their Fiji Airways OFC Champions’ League match on a high note.

The Samoa club fought back from 3-1 at halftime to draw with Tahiti champions AS Pirae at Govind Park in Ba yesterday.

But it was the AS Pirae which struck in the 2nd minute from a free kick by Jay Warren. Six minutes later Australia-born midfielder Scott Gannon curled a fantastic kick, beating goalkeeper Marc Vaki to eaqualise 1-1.

In the 16th minute Heiarii Tavanae extend AS Pirae’s lead 2-1.

Seven minutes later Teaonui Tehau scored his team third goal to in commanding lead 3-1.

Halftime: Lupe Ole Soaga 1 AS Pirae 3.

In the 58 minute Suivai Ataga scored a brilliant goal to close the gap, 2-3.

In the 69th minute nippy left winger Luki Gosche  scored the equaliser.

Big turn: Scott Gannon played well in midfield.

Star plus: Heiarii Tavanae, Jay Warren, Teaonui Tehau and Roonui Tinirauarii played well.

Comments: Lupe Ole Soaga coach Paul Ualesi said, “Hats off to the boys although we had a shaky start. I told the boys to play well in the last 20 minutes and they really worked hard.”

AS Pirae captain Roy Hakara said, “The boys did not play as a team as there was a lot of miscommunication. It was just not our day today.”

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