Auckland City FC and Hekari United FC battle for continental glory in the OFC

HONIARA, Solomon Islands – The stage is set for an epic Oceania showdown as Auckland City FC, the reigning kings of the region, take on Papua New Guinea’s finest, Hekari United FC, in the 2025 OFC Champions League Final this Saturday evening at Honiara’s National Stadium.

The stakes? Nothing less than continental supremacy. For Auckland City, it’s the chance to capture a staggering 13th title, cementing their legacy as the most dominant force in Oceania club football. For Hekari United, it’s a golden opportunity to rekindle past glory, 15 years after their breakthrough triumph in 2010 — the only time a non-New Zealand club has lifted the trophy in the modern era.

🛡️ The Navy Blues: Business as Usual for the Champions

Paul Posa’s Auckland City side has once again proven why they’re Oceania’s team to beat. Their journey to the final was methodical and composed:

• A gritty 1-0 win over A S Pirae (Tahiti)

• A controlled 2-0 victory over AS Tiga Sport (New Caledonia)

• A testing 1-1 draw with Rewa FC (Fiji)

• And a polished 2-0 semi-final win over Ifira Black Bird FC (Vanuatu)

Forward Haris Zeb has been lethal, scoring in three consecutive matches, while Myer Bevan continues to deliver when it counts — his late goal against Ifira Black Bird was the final nail in the semi-final.

Posa was full of praise for his squad:

“Incredible effort in tough conditions. We created enough chances to win by more. The boys have shown character, and we’re ready for Saturday.”

Saturday’s final will be played under the lights — a welcome change after enduring 32°C heat in the semi-final. “Playing in cooler evening conditions helps. The team behind the scenes has been outstanding in preparing the boys,” Posa added.

🔥 Hekari United: A Return 15 Years in the Making

Hekari United’s road to the final has been built on resilience and flair. Their star man Rex Naime has emerged as the tournament’s standout — a hat-trick hero in the group-stage demolition of Tupapa Maraerenga (9-0) and the match-winner in their 1-0 semi-final triumph over AS Tiga Sport.

Under head coach Jerry Allen, Hekari also delivered a commanding 3-0 win over Central Coast United and shared the points in a 1-1 draw with Ifira Black Bird.

Naime’s form, speed, and sharp instincts in the box will be Auckland City’s biggest threat come Saturday night.

🏆 Final Chapter: All Eyes on Honiara

This clash is more than just a title decider — it’s a meeting of two proud footballing cultures, each with something to prove. Auckland City’s unmatched consistency meets Hekari’s hunger to restore their continental status. Expect tactical discipline, high energy, and moments of brilliance.

As Posa noted, depth will be crucial:

“Everyone who came off the bench made an immediate impact. That’s the strength of this team.”

With the national spotlight focused on Honiara, fans across the region will be treated to a spectacle under the lights — a true celebration of Oceania football.

📍 Match Details

🏆 OFC Champions League Final 2025
📅 Saturday, 12 April
🆚 Auckland City FC vs Hekari United FC
🏟️ National Stadium, Honiara
⏰ Kick-off: 6:00pm (Local) / 7:00pm (NZT)

🎥 Watch Live: OFC TV and Official Streaming Partners

Auckland City FC Squad:
Conor Tracey (GK), Adam Mitchell (C), Christian Gray, Nikko Boxall, Myer Bevan, Gerard Garriga, Dylan Manickum, Ryan De Vries, Nathan Lobo, Jordan Vale, Jackson Manuel, Joe Lee, Jerson Lagos, Areya Prasad (GK), Dylan Connoly, Matt Ellis, Tong Zhou, Nathan Garrow (GK), Michael Den Heijer, David Yoo, Haris Zeb, Otto Ingham, Adam Bell.