Auckland City Clinch 13th Oceania Crown

Words: ACFC Media

Saturday 12 April 2025

Picture: Phototek

HONIARA, Solomon Islands - Auckland City FC continued to cement their dominance in Oceania football, lifting their record-extending 13th OFC Men's Champions League title courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Hekari United FC from Papua New Guinea.

Under the floodlights in Honiara, the Navy Blues showcased their resilience, grit, and quality, marking yet another milestone in their illustrious history.

The final opened with Hekari United displaying early energy and physicality. Their high pressing created promising moments, notably Ati Kepo's close-range header that narrowly missed the target.

Yet, as the game unfolded, Auckland City's hallmark composure and tactical discipline began to shine through.The Navy Blues took the lead in the 39th minute thanks to Player of the Match Myer Bevan. His clever back-heel finish, following a precise low cross from Haris Zeb, broke the deadlock to give the defending champions narrow advantages heading into the break.

The second half saw Auckland City controlling the game and adding a deserved second goal in the 83rd minute from the penalty spot. Matt Ellis won the penalty with a determined run, and Bevan coolly converted, sealing the result and his brace for the evening.

Reflecting on his pivotal role, Bevan humbly credited his teammates: "Unbelievable. You know, we worked hard for this. It's all credit to them for helping me score the goals today."

But Auckland City FC's achievement goes beyond this match—it is a celebration of a campaign defined by teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Going undefeated throughout the tournament and conceding just one goal in five games amidst the sweltering island heat is no small feat.

Player of the Tournament Dylan Manickum highlighted the significance of the collective effort: "Undefeated the whole tournament, only conceded one goal. It's really a credit to the boys. Across the campaign, the team performance mattered most, and we got the job done."

Captain Adam Mitchell echoed these sentiments, emphasising the challenges faced: "It's amazing. Winning in tough conditions against strong competition and as an amateur club is a great achievement. It shows how much hard work we put in, both during this tournament and back home in New Zealand."

Head coach Paul Posa reflected on the campaign with pride: "Everything went according to plan. The final was tough, but the boys showed grit and character, hallmarks of Auckland City teams. This achievement speaks volumes about the organization and support of everyone involved at the club back home."

As the final whistle blew, joyous scenes erupted among the Auckland City contingent. This victory not only reinforces their status as the region's footballing powerhouse but also sets the stage for their upcoming international commitments at the FIFA™ Club World Cup and FIFA™ Intercontinental Cup later this year.

Ends

Match Result OFC Champions League 2025
 Saturday, 12 April 
National Stadium, Honiara
 Auckland City FC: 2 ( Myer BEVAN 39’, 83’) 
Hekari United FC: 0 

HT: 1-0

AC: 1. Conor TRACEY, 3. Adam MITCHELL (C), 6. Nikko BOXALL , 7. Myer BEVAN, 8. Gerard GARRIGA, (14. Jordan VALE 80’), 10. Dylan MANICKUM, (11. Ryan DE VRIES 80’), 13. Nathan LOBO, 17. Jerson LAGOS, 25. Michael DEN HEIJER, 26. David YOO, (4. Christian GRAY, 88’), 27. Haris ZEB (20. Matt ELLIS, 51’)
SUBS NOT USED: 24. Nathan GARROW (GK) 9. Dylan CONNOLLY, 22. Tong ZHOU, 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