Auckland City Arrives in Cairo

The squad touched down after wrapping up a four-day intensive training camp in the UAE, where they battled soaring temperatures and fine-tuned their tactics.

Now settling into the Egyptian capital, the Navy Blues have their sights firmly set on Sunday’s FIFA African-Asian-Pacific-Cup™showdown  at the iconic 30 June Stadium. 

The match kicks off on 14 September at 9pm local time (Monday, 15 September at 6am NZT), with the winner advancing to the second round to face reigning Asian champions, Al Ahli.

Underdogs on paper but brimming with confidence, Auckland City FC arrive in Cairo fully prepared and ready to rise to the challenge. The call has come and the Navy Blues have answered.

From Desert Heat to Cairo Nights

After several intense days of acclimatisation and tactical drills in the UAE, the squad is battle-ready. Striker Myer Bevan, speaking after the final session in Abu Dhabi, summed up the mood:

“It’s been very hot, but the boys have been very, very good. We’ve been here for a few days now and I think we’re getting used to it. We look forward to the game at hand and I think we’ve been preparing very well.”

Despite the heat and the challenge ahead, Bevan emphasised the team’s confidence and resilience:

“We’re going to go into the game with 100% confidence to get a result. They’re a very good team, but anything can happen on the day.”

The Challenge Ahead: Pyramids FC

Sunday’s fixture at the 30 June Stadium pits Auckland City against a formidable opponent. Pyramids FC, fresh off their CAF Champions League triumph, are expected to dominate possession and dictate the tempo. But Auckland City, no strangers to international competition, are embracing their underdog status with grit and optimism.

“We’ve played in big games this year,” Bevan noted. “We have to go into that game thinking, ‘what if?’ We know it’s going to be hard, but we’ve made adjustments accordingly.”

Tactical Tweaks & Mental Fortitude

Head coach Paul Posa and his staff, including assistant coaches Ivan Vicelich and Adria Casals, have worked tirelessly to adapt Auckland City’s New Zealand playing style to the demands of international club football. With a squad that blends experience and youthful energy, the team remains focused on precision and composure.

What’s at Stake

Victory in Cairo would send Auckland City FC into the second round, where Asia’s top club, Al Ahli, awaits. For a team still stung by last year’s 6–2 defeat to Al Ain, this tournament offers a shot at redemption and a chance to prove that Oceania’s finest can stand tall on the global stage.

How to Watch

Fans back home in New Zealand can catch the action live on FIFA+, with coverage starting at 5:50am NZT on Monday. Visit FIFA+ for further information.

About Auckland City FC

Founded in 2004 and based at Kiwitea Street in Sandringham, Auckland City FC competes in New Zealand’s Northern League, National League Championship, and the OFC Champions League. With a legacy of continental success and a reputation for disciplined football, the club continues to be a beacon of excellence in Oceania.

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Ends

AC: 24. Nathan GARROW (GK), 2. Mario ILICH (c), 3. Adam MITCHELL, 4. Christian GRAY, 5. Nikko BOXALL, 7. Myer BEVAN, 8. Gerard GARRIGA, 10. Dylan MANICKUM, 12. Jeremy FOO, 13. Nathan LOBO, 14. Jordan VALE, 15. Jackson MANUEL, 16. Paris DOMFEH, 17. Jerson LAGOS, 18. Sebastian CIGANDA (GK) 19. Dylan CONNOLLY,  20. Matthew ELLIS, 21. Adam BELL, 22. Tong ZHOU, 25. Michael DEN HEIJER, 26. David YOO, 27. Haris ZEB.

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