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Auckland City FC claim 13th OFC title with commanding win in Honiara
HONIARA, Solomon Islands — Auckland City FC have once again proven why they are the kings of Oceania football, capturing their record-extending 13th OFC Men’s Champions League crown with a 2-0 triumph over Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United FC on Saturday at the National Stadium in Honiara.
Under the floodlights and in sweltering conditions, the Navy Blues demonstrated tactical discipline and clinical execution to secure their fourth consecutive continental title.
Hekari United, making their first final appearance since 2010, came out with physical intent and urgency. Their aggressive pressing almost paid dividends in the early exchanges. Ati Kepo came closest for the PNG side, nodding a pinpoint cross from Pala Paul just wide of the upright.
But Auckland City, with their trademark calmness and structure, slowly gained control. The breakthrough came in the 39th minute when Myer Bevan, later named Player of the Match, stylishly back-heeled Haris Zeb’s low cross into the bottom-right corner, putting the defending champions 1-0 up at halftime.
The second half saw Auckland City manage proceedings with authority. Despite Hekari’s attempts to involve their dynamic winger Rex Naime, Auckland defenders Jerson Lagos and Nathan Lobo expertly nullified the threat.
Auckland sealed the match in the 83rd minute. Substitute Matt Ellis made a surging run into the box and was brought down, earning a penalty. Bevan stepped up and confidently buried the spot kick, completing his brace and confirming Auckland’s supremacy.
“Unbelievable. You know, we worked hard for this. It’s all credit to them for helping me score the goals today,” said Bevan post-match, deflecting praise to his teammates.
The victory capped a flawless campaign for the Aucklanders, who went undefeated and conceded just one goal across five matches.
“Undefeated the whole tournament, only conceded one goal. It’s really a credit to the boys,” said Dylan Manickum, who was awarded Player of the Tournament. “Across the campaign, the team performance mattered most, and we got the job done.”
Captain Adam Mitchell emphasized the significance of the win for a club largely comprised of amateur players.
“Winning in tough conditions against strong competition and as an amateur club is a great achievement. It shows how much hard work we put in, both during this tournament and back home in New Zealand,” Mitchell said.
Head coach Paul Posa praised the team’s mental toughness and collective spirit.
“Everything went according to plan. The final was tough, but the boys showed grit and character, hallmarks of Auckland City teams. This achievement speaks volumes about the organization and support of everyone involved at the club back home,” he said.
This latest triumph guarantees Auckland City FC a return to the global stage, where they will represent the Oceania region at both the FIFA Club World Cup in June and the newly formatted FIFA Intercontinental Cup later in 2025.
Match Result
OFC Champions League 2025 Final
Saturday, 12 April – National Stadium, Honiara
Auckland City FC 2 (Myer BEVAN 39′, 83′ pen)
Hekari United FC 0
Halftime: 1-0
Auckland City FC Starting XI:
- Conor Tracey (GK), 3. Adam Mitchell (C), 6. Nikko Boxall, 7. Myer Bevan, 8. Gerard Garriga (14. Jordan Vale 80′), 10. Dylan Manickum (11. Ryan De Vries 80′), 13. Nathan Lobo, 17. Jerson Lagos, 25. Michael Den Heijer, 26. David Yoo (4. Christian Gray 88′), 27. Haris Zeb (20. Matt Ellis 51′)
Substitutes Not Used:
24. Nathan Garrow (GK), 9. Dylan Connolly, 22. Tong Zhou, 28. Otto Ingham, 30. Adam Bell
Coaching and Support Staff:
Head Coach: Paul Posa
Assistant Coaches: Ivan Vicelich, Adria Casals
Goalkeeping Coach: Jonas Hoffmann
Team Manager: Keith Coton
Physiotherapists: Matt Payne, Zara Ellis
