Auckland City FC Secures Semi-Final Spot with Commanding Win Over AS Tiga Sport

HONIARA, Solomon Islands – Auckland City FC confirmed their place in the OFC Men’s Champions League 2025 semi-finals with a game to spare, following a determined 2-0 victory over AS Tiga Sport at Lawson Tama Stadium.

Goals from Dylan Manickum and Haris Zeb secured all three points for the 12-time champions, who navigated challenging weather conditions and a determined opponent to extend their dominance in the competition.

Storm Delay and a Tactical Masterclass

The match started under ominous skies, with a thunderstorm forcing a six-minute stoppage as lightning struck nearby. Despite the brief delay, the Navy Blues wasted no time imposing themselves, forcing AS Tiga Sport onto the back foot.

The breakthrough came in the 24th minute when a well-rehearsed set-piece paid dividends. Myer Bevan’s pinpoint pass found Dylan Manickum inside the box, and the attacking midfielder coolly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Thomas Schmidt for his second goal of the tournament.

Auckland City nearly doubled their lead moments later, with Bevan rattling the crossbar from a tight angle as they continued to dictate proceedings.

Tiga Sport’s Resilience and Second-Half Push

Despite Auckland City’s dominance, AS Tiga Sport tightened their defensive shape, limiting further chances before the break. In the second half, the New Caledonian side came out with renewed attacking intent but struggled to find a way through Auckland’s rock-solid defensive line, led by captain Adam Mitchell.

Coach Paul Posa responded tactically, bringing in fresh legs to counter Tiga’s increasing pressure. Substitute Haris Zeb made an immediate impact, delivering dangerous balls into the box and stretching the opposition’s backline.

Auckland City had multiple opportunities to extend their lead, with Manickum narrowly missing out on a second goal after another smart setup by Bevan.

Late Goal Seals the Win

The defining moment arrived deep in stoppage time. A cross from Matt Ellis was not cleared by the AS Tiga Sport defense, and Zeb reacted quickest, rifling home a volley into the roof of the net to seal the victory.

The result marked Auckland City’s second consecutive clean sheet, reinforcing their status as the tournament favorites.

Post-Match Reactions: Defense, Depth, and Determination

Head coach Paul Posa praised his team’s depth and squad mentality.

“It’s your squad that wins you the tournament. We need everybody, and if we win, it’ll be because of the entire group. But there’s still a long way to go.”

Captain Adam Mitchell, instrumental in maintaining the defensive wall, emphasized the importance of their backline solidity.

“It’s massive, especially here in the islands. These teams have dangerous attackers, so our goal was to stay compact and not concede. That’s what wins us these games.”

Meanwhile, young goalkeeper Nathan Garrow, who impressed with crucial saves, earned praise from Mitchell.

“Awesome again. His penalty save in the first game and his performance today were crucial. He’s got a really bright future ahead.”

With semi-final qualification secured, Auckland City FC will look to top Group A in their final clash against Rewa FC, while AS Tiga Sport must overcome AS Pirae to keep their tournament hopes alive.

Match Result

OFC Men’s Champions League 2025
📅 Wednesday, 2 April
🏟 Lawson Tama Stadium, Honiara

Auckland City FC ⚽ 2 (Dylan Manickum 24’, Haris Zeb 90+4’)
AS Tiga Sport ⚽ 0

📊 HT: 1-0

Starting XI – Auckland City FC

🔹 GK: 24. Nathan GARROW
🔹 Defenders: 3. Adam MITCHELL (C), 6. Nikko BOXALL, 22. Tong ZHOU, 25. Michael DEN HEIJER
🔹 Midfielders: 13. Nathan LOBO, 17. Jerson LAGOS, 26. David YOO
🔹 Forwards: 7. Myer BEVAN, 10. Dylan MANICKUM, 19. Dylan CONNOLLY

🔄 Substitutes Used:

• 67’ 🔄 8. Gerard GARRIGA for Yoo

• 67’ 🔄 27. Haris ZEB for Lagos

• 77’ 🔄 30. Adam BELL for Connolly

• 77’ 🔄 20. Matt ELLIS for Den Heijer

• 85’ 🔄 14. Jordan VALE for Manickum

🔻 Unused Substitutes: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK), 4. Christian GRAY, 28. Otto INGHAM

Coaching Staff

👔 Head Coach: Paul POSA
👔 Assistant Coaches: Ivan VICELICH, Adria CASALS
🧤 Goalkeeper Coach: Jonas HOFFMANN
📋 Team Manager: Keith COTON
💉 Physiotherapists: Matt PAYNE, Zara ELLIS