Blazing Through the Islands: Auckland City FC Marches Into OFC Final

HONIARA, Solomon Islands —
Auckland City FC underlined their dominance in Oceania with a decisive 2-0 victory over Vanuatu’s Ifira Black Bird FC in Wednesday’s OFC Men’s Champions League 2025 semi-final, securing a place in Saturday’s grand finale against Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United FC.

With temperatures soaring above 32°C, Paul Posa’s men showed resilience, class, and composure in Honiara, navigating punishing conditions and spirited opposition to move one step closer to their 13th continental crown.

Despite the searing heat, Auckland City dictated the rhythm early, pinning Ifira deep in their half. The Navy Blues struck the woodwork three times, forced multiple saves from the outstanding Benoit Beaujeon, and watched in disbelief as a second-half effort was cleared off the line. But persistence eventually paid off.

The breakthrough came in the 25th minute. Haris Zeb, in sparkling form throughout the tournament, pounced on a rebound to slot home his third goal in as many matches, giving Auckland City a deserved 1-0 lead.

Though the scoreline remained tight, City’s pressure never waned. Matt Ellis, a second-half substitute, sent in a low cross in the 86th minute that found Myer Bevan at the back post for the simplest of finishes—2-0, and game over.

Between the posts, goalkeeper Conor Tracey remained untested for much of the match but produced a crucial late save from a corner to preserve his clean sheet.

The semi-final also marked a special moment for club icon Ryan De Vries, who came off the bench in the 82nd minute to make his 229th appearance—equaling Angel Berlanga’s long-standing club record and placing him second only to Emiliano Tade.

Posa’s Praise and Player Reflections

Head Coach Paul Posa praised his squad’s performance, saying:

“It was a tough game, but nobody could say we didn’t deserve it. We hit the post multiple times, created a flurry of chances, and could’ve easily had four today. I’m immensely proud of the boys.”

Midfielder Michael Den Heijer, named Player of the Match, echoed the sentiment:

“It was a very tough game, but we stuck to our tactics and got what we came for. We had our chances early and didn’t stop believing.”

Goal-scorer Myer Bevan added:

“It wasn’t pretty football, but we got the job done. A clean sheet and two goals in a semi-final? We’ll take that any day. Now it’s all about recovery and locking in for the final.”

Match Highlights and Moments of Brilliance

City could’ve had a more comfortable lead had the frame of the goal been kinder. Dylan Manickum saw two efforts cannon off the post, while Adam Mitchell’s header from a set-piece also struck metal. Ifira’s Kerry Iawak pulled off a miraculous goal-line clearance to deny Manickum in the second half.

An early injury to Tong Zhou saw Gerrard Garriga enter the fray, while Ifira’s best moment came from Alphonse Lency, whose 30-meter screamer grazed the bar.

Despite a flurry of yellow cards handed to a frustrated Ifira side, Auckland’s discipline and defensive shape held strong.

Now, with just one match standing between them and another star on the badge, Auckland City will square off against Hekari United FC—an old rival who last won the title in 2010. Under the lights of Honiara, Oceania’s elite are set for a battle of champions.

Match Result:

OFC Champions League 2025 – Semi-final
Wednesday, 9 April | Honiara, Solomon Islands
Auckland City FC 2 (Haris Zeb 25’, Myer Bevan 86’)
Ifira Black Bird FC 0
Half-time: 1-0

Auckland City FC Starting XI:

Conor Tracey (GK), Adam Mitchell (C), Nikko Boxall, Myer Bevan, Dylan Manickum (Ryan De Vries 82’), Nathan Lobo, Jerson Lagos, Tong Zhou (Gerrard Garriga 15’), Michael Den Heijer, David Yoo (Jordan Vale 82’), Haris Zeb (Matt Ellis 70’).

Substitutes not used: Nathan Garrow (GK), Christian Gray, Dylan Connolly, Otto Ingham, Adam Bell.

Coaching Staff:

• Head Coach: Paul Posa

• Assistant Coaches: Ivan Vicelich, Adria Casals

• GK Coach: Jonas Hoffmann

• Team Manager: Keith Coton

• Physios: Matt Payne, Zara Ellis

Stay tuned as Auckland City FC prepares for their date with destiny. One final match, one historic opportunity. Will title number 13 be theirs?