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Navy Blues bank points in Oceania opener

Words: ACFC media

Sunday 14 May 2023

LUGANVILLE, Vanuatu - Reigning champions Auckland City FC came from a goal down at half time to secure a crucial 3-1 victory over the Solomon Warriors in the opening Group A match of the 2023 OFC Champions League at Luganville’s Soccer City Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Half chances at both ends provided early tests for both Conor Tracey and Solomon keeper Timothy Maearasia before the Warriors drew first blood courtesy of Molea Tigi.

Norman Winford’s attempt was initially blocked by Den Heijer before the ball falling to Harrison Mala who kept his composure setting up Tigi for his strike from inside the box.

TAGIO TUMAS

Big thank you from everyone at Auckland City FC to the fans at #Luganville Soccer Stadium for all your support! #Luganville #Vanuatu pic.twitter.com/QKtGK4DzJN
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) May 14, 2023

Mala forced a save from Tracey after a blistering counterattacking run on the left wing while Mario Ilich headed just inches wide from a corner at the other end.

Maearasia produced a spectacular fingertip save to keep out a brilliantly struck left footed drive by Angus Kilkolly, pushing the ball over his his crossbar as the rain started pelting down at Soccer City Stadium.

Liam Gillion was threatening on the right flank and Gerard Garriga couldn’t keep his header down in front of goal but the Warriors kept their nerves to hold onto their halt time lead.

The second half started in dramatic fashion as Maearasia received his marching orders for a dangerous tackle on Garriga inside the Warriors’ box with Kilkolly stepping up to the spot to cooly convert for his side’s equaliser.

The Navy Blues dominated possession against the 10-men Warriors who kept their concentration and defensive shape to maintain the deadlock.

However, the Navy Blues’ patience eventually paid dividends with Garriga producing a clinical finish in the 77th minute to make his side’s numerical advantage count.

-40’ to kickoff…#Luganville #Vanuatu #OFCCL2023 pic.twitter.com/Fi7ZhdaZcC
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) May 14, 2023

After coming off the bench, Ryan De Vries put the result beyond any doubt heading home from a cross delivered by fellow substitute Joe Lee.

Regont Murati marked his 27th birthday by entering the field during the final stages as the defending champions rounded the game out to secure all three points.

On matchday 2 of the competition the Navy Blues face Fijian outfit Suva FC on Wednesday 17 May with kick-off at 12pm local time/1pm NZST.

Livestream courtesy of OFC – WATCH HERE

Match Result
OFC Champions League - Group A, MD 1
Sunday 14 May 2023
Luganville Soccer City Stadium, Vanuatu
Auckland City FC 3 (Angus KILKOLLY 55’-pen, Gerard GARRIGA 77’, Ryan DE VRIES 81’)
Solomon Warriors 1 (Molea TIGI, 9’)

HT: 0-1

AC 1. Conor TRACEY (GK) 2. Mario ILICH, 3. Adam MITCHELL, 5. Michael Den HEIJER, 7. Cam HOWIESON (c) (23. Matt ELLIS 84’) 8. Gerard GARRIGA , 9. Angus KILKOLLY, (11. Ryan DE VRIES 62’), 10. Dylan MANICKUM, 13. Nathan LOBO, 14. Jordan VALE, (12. Regont MURATI 84’),19. Liam GILLION (16. Joe LEE 66’).

SUBS NOT USED: 24. Joe WALLIS (GK), 4. Christian GRAY, 6. Dan MORGAN, 15. Aidan CAREY

SUSPENDED: 22. Tong ZHOU (1 Game)

Coach: Albert RIERA
Assistant coach: Ivan VICELICH
Goalkeeper coach: Enaut ZUBIKARAI
Technical: Adria CASALS
Physiotherapist: Matt PAYNE
Logistics Manager: Keith COTON
General Manager: Gordon WATSON