CHRISTCHURCH, NZ — Auckland City FC x NRF capped a remarkable Ford Futsal SuperLeague campaign by lifting the national title after a breathless 6–3 extra‑time victory over Capital Futsal, the final twist in a season defined by resilience, quality, and an unshakeable belief in big moments.
31 March 2026
It has been a journey shaped long before Finals Weekend. After an opening‑round defeat back in January, the Navy Blues never lost again in the regular season, piecing together an unbeaten run built on discipline, depth, and a defensive platform anchored by the league’s standout goalkeeper.
That form carried straight into Christchurch, where City dispatched Waikato Rapids 3–1 in a composed semifinal performance that set the tone for Sunday’s showpiece.
The final itself was a rollercoaster.
Capital struck first, punishing a hesitant start, before Mario Ramos levelled with a composed finish that steadied the group. Even so, City trailed 2–1 at halftime, a reflection of a first period where rhythm proved elusive.
What kept them alive was Mike Antamanov, whose performance bordered on defiant. Low saves, high saves, fingertip stops, full‑stretch denials, the kind of goalkeeping that shifts the psychology of a final. It was the latest reminder of why he would later be crowned Golden Glove winner.
The second half became a test of patience and belief. With the clock draining away and the title slipping from view, Dylan Manickum, the Futsal Whites captain, delivered the moment that changed everything. With 19 seconds left, he lashed home the equaliser that dragged the final into extra time and ignited the City bench. It was the first act in a performance that would earn him Finals MVP honours.
Extra time brought more turbulence. Capital struck first to make it 3–2, only for Oban Hawkins to detonate a top‑corner rocket with seconds remaining in the first period, a goal struck with the conviction of a player refusing to accept the script.
And then, finally, Auckland City took control.
Sam Twigg swept home to give the Navy Blues their first lead of the match, a moment that flipped the entire tone of the final. With Capital stretched, Manickum struck twice more to complete his hat‑trick and sealing the championship and sending the travelling support into raptures.
When the final buzzer sounded, the celebrations reflected a campaign built on excellence across the squad. Adam Paulsen, whose ruthless finishing earned him the Golden Boot, had been a constant threat all season.
Captain Stephen Ashby‑Peckham, the heartbeat of the group, was recognised as MVP of the Season, a fitting reward for a captain who set standards on and off the court.
For Coach Nic Downes, his staff, and a group that found answers every time the questions grew sharper, this was a title earned the hard way, and all the more satisfying for it.
A season of dominance, a final of drama, and a trophy that confirms the Navy Blues as the best futsal side in New Zealand.
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