Navy Blues Brace for Semi-Final Showdown with Ifira Black Bird FC

HONIARA, Solomon Islands — The quest for a record-extending 13th Oceania title continues as Auckland City FC prepare for a titanic semi-final clash against Vanuatu’s Ifira Black Bird FC at the OFC Champions League 2025, set for Wednesday at Honiara’s National Stadium.

Fresh off topping Group A, the defending champions have shown their mettle, securing dominant wins over AS Pirae (Tahiti) and AS Tiga (New Caledonia), and grinding out a 1-1 draw against Fiji’s Rewa FC. Now, the Navy Blues are dialed in and ready to navigate the knockout phase — a terrain they know all too well.

But standing in their way is a determined and dangerous Ifira side — runners-up from Group B — who’ve earned their place with grit and resilience. Their group-stage campaign saw them edge Tupapa Maraerenga FC and hold both Central Coast FC and Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United FC to hard-fought draws.

The semi-final carries echoes of a heart-stopping encounter between the two clubs two years ago in Port Vila. That night, Auckland City escaped with a 5-4 penalty shootout win after a pulsating 2-2 draw in regular and extra time. Ifira’s counter-attacking prowess nearly upended the Kiwi giants — and they’ll be hungry for redemption.

Speaking ahead of the match, centre-back Christian Gray underlined the challenges ahead:

“The conditions here are tough, and so are the games. We’ve got to stick to our principles but also be ready to adapt to whatever challenges Ifira throws our way. We know they’re a good side, and we’re preparing for a tough battle.”

Matt Ellis, who has been pivotal in midfield, reflected on the intensity of past clashes:

“A lot of the boys still talk about that game in Vanuatu. It was one of the hardest matches they’ve ever played. We’re expecting a similar battle this time, but our squad depth gives us an edge. The boys coming off the bench have been massive.”

With the midday kickoff under the scorching Solomon Islands sun, endurance and focus will be tested. The match promises a tactical contrast: Auckland City’s precise, possession-heavy build-up against Ifira’s high-octane, fast-break offense.

Coach Albert Riera will look to the experience of captain Adam Mitchell, the creativity of Gerard Garriga, and the clinical finishing of Myer Bevan to steer his side through. Ifira, on the other hand, will bank on their pace and passion to unsettle the New Zealanders — just as they nearly did two years ago.

With the final looming on Saturday, and everything on the line, fans can expect a clash of titans — one filled with fire, flair, and football at its fiercest.

Match Details

OFC Champions League 2025 – Semi-Final
🗓 Wednesday, 9 April
🏟 National Stadium, Honiara
⏰ Kickoff: 12:00pm (Local) | 1:00pm (NZT)
🆚 Auckland City FC vs Ifira Black Bird FC

Auckland City FC Squad – OFC Champions League 2025

Goalkeepers: 1. Conor Tracey, 18. Areya Prasad, 24. Nathan Garrow
Defenders: 3. Adam Mitchell (C), 4. Christian Gray, 5. Nikko Boxall, 14. Jordan Vale, 22. Tong Zhou, 26. David Yoo, 28. Otto Ingham
Midfielders: 8. Gerard Garriga, 10. Dylan Manickum, 15. Jackson Manuel, 16. Joe Lee, 20. Matt Ellis, 25. Michael Den Heijer, 27. Haris Zeb
Forwards: 7. Myer Bevan, 11. Ryan De Vries, 13. Nathan Lobo, 17. Jerson Lagos, 19. Dylan Connoly, 30. Adam Bell

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