Auckland FC and Adelaide United will head into the second leg still tied after a 1-1 draw at a wet and slippery Go Media Stadium.
Lachlan Brook opened the scoring for Auckland in the first half before Harry Crawford drew Adelaide back level in the second.
Michael Woud continued his form from last weekend, making three difficult saves in quick succession inside the first eight minutes.
Not to be outdone, Adelaide’s Josh Smits made an excellent diving save to deny Jesse Randall in the 15th minute.
After a 10 minute spell of possession dominance, Cam Howieson’s miss-hit shot sat up for Brook to slam home and give Auckland a 1-0 lead.
Guillermo May had the ball in the back of the net after poking home a rebound, however the linesman spotted him offside in the build up.
May’s day ended early in the second half, the Uruguayan needing to be subbed off after landing awkwardly on his left ankle.
Minutes later Howieson had his vision and balance affected by an errant Ryan White finger to the eye. Despite his heavy insisting that he was fine, the midfielder was withdrawn for Nando Pijnaker.
Adelaide equalised on the hour mark when Yaya Dukuly’s supreme low cross found the diving Crawford at the back post, the young winger picking a fine time to score his first goal of the season.
Both managers were overcome with rage on the restart; while Adelaide’s Airton Andrioli was blowing his top on the sideline, Auckland’s Steve Corica was booked for dissent.
The last bit of drama came in stoppage time, Adelaide substitute Juan Muñiz striking the crossbar with his powerful, long range shot.
Adelaide will host the second leg of this semi-final matchup at Coopers Stadium next Friday night.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Auckland FC goal: Brook 24′
Adelaide United goal: Crawford 64′
