Both sides struggled to deal with the bumpy pitch and Auckland City coach Ramon Tribulietx was left frustrated that his side were unable to implement their passing game.
"Unfortunately, the playing surface wasn't the greatest, it was an uneven surface, not only for us but for Amicale as well," he said. "The goal we conceded came from a bobble and that was the story for us."
"I felt we dominated in the first half, we knew we had applied pressure but in the second half Amicale had to make a couple of changes to get something from the game.
"They played more longer balls and picked up the second phase possession and that's how we conceded a goal. But a 1-1 result with an away goal is very important. We need to rest and recover now because the second game is going to be very tight."
Tribulietx is cautious about Auckland being labeled as favourites heading into the second leg.
"It's going to be very, very, tight. Amicale have got everything - they have good strikers, good experience, players who have played in Europe who are used to playing on surfaces like Kiwitea Street that allows teams to play a particular style of football.
"We've got a slight advantage but if we think that will be enough next week to win the OFC Champions League then we have a problem. We have to prepare properly and make sure we compete well in what now shapes up as a one off game."
