Dominant City Claim Spot in Oceania Title Decider

Words: ACFC Media

Wednesday 9 April 2025

HONIARA, Solomon Islands - Auckland City FC showcased their Oceania credentials with a commanding 2-0 victory over Vanuatu’s Ifira Black Bird FC in Honiara, booking their place in the OFC Men’s Champions League 2025 final.

The Navy Blues, in pursuit of a record 13th title, will now face Hekari United FC after the Papua New Guinean outfit defeated AS Tiga Sport 1-0 to claim their spot in Saturday’s decider.

Despite the intense 32-degree heat, Paul Posa’s side dominated proceedings, creating numerous chances, hitting the woodwork three times, forcing outstanding saves from Ifira’s goalkeeper Benoit Beaujeon, and witnessing a dramatic goal-line clearance. Even with some near misses, Auckland City’s relentless pressure paid off in a deserved win.

The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when Haris Zeb, scoring his third goal in as many games, fired home a rebound to give City a well-earned lead. Myer Bevan sealed the win with a late tap-in from a precise Matt Ellis cross, securing City’s spot in the final. Goalkeeper Connor Tracey also played his part with a superb save from a late Ifira corner.

The match marked a milestone for legendary striker Ryan De Vries, who equaled Angel Berlanga’s club record of 229 appearances when he came off the bench in the 82nd minute. De Vries now sits second equal on the all-time list, behind club legend Emiliano Tade, who boasts 242 appearances.

Coach Paul Posa praised his team’s effort: "It was a tough game, but nobody could say we didn’t deserve it. We created so many chances that it could’ve been four today, and no one would deny that. Incredible effort from the boys in tough conditions."

Player of the Match Michael Den Heijer highlighted the team’s resilience: "It was a very tough game, but we stuck to the tactics and deserved the win. We created plenty of chances, particularly in the first half, and eventually, we found the net."

Goal-scorer Myer Bevan shared his excitement for the final: "It wasn’t pretty, but we got the job done. Two goals and a clean sheet in the semi-final—it’s all we could ask for. Now it’s time to recover and prepare for the final."

Auckland City’s first-half dominance was evident as Dylan Manickum rattled the woodwork twice and Adam Mitchell struck the post from a set-piece. Manickum’s goal-bound effort was later cleared off the line by Kerry Iawak in the second half, while Ifira’s frustrations boiled over, resulting in multiple yellow cards.

The victory also came despite an early injury setback to Tong Zhou, who was replaced by Gerrard Garriga. Ifira threatened briefly with Alphonse Lency’s 30-meter strike grazing the crossbar, but Auckland City’s defense remained resolute.

With their sights set on title number 13, Auckland City FC head confidently into Saturday’s final under the lights, ready to further cement their status as Oceania’s dominant football force.

Ends

Match Result
OFC Champions League 2025
Wednesday, 9 April
Auckland City FC: 2 (Harris ZEB 25’, Myer BEVAN 86’)
Ifira Black Bird FC: 0

HT: 1-0

AC: 1. Conor TRACEY, 3. Adam MITCHELL (C), 6 Nikko BOXALL , 7 Myer BEVAN, 10 Dylan MANICKUM (11. Ryan DE VRIES 82’), 13 Nathan LOBO, 17 Jerson LAGOS, 22 Tong ZHOU (8. Gerard GARRIGA 15’), 25 Michael DEN HEIJER, 26 David YOO, (14. Jordan VALE 82’), 27 Haris ZEB, (20. Matt ELLIS 70’)

SUBS NOT USED: 24 GK Nathan GARROW 4 Christian GRAY, 19. Dylan CONNOLLY 28. Otto INGHAM, 30. Adam BELL

HEAD COACH: Paul POSA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Adria CASALS
GK COACH: Jonas HOFFMANN
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
PHYSIOTHERAPIST: Matt PAYNE
PHYSIOTHERAPIST: Zara ELLIS