ABU DHABI, UAE - Auckland City FC was honoured to host Richard Kay and Sam O'Connor of the New Zealand Embassy at its Team Base Camp in Abu Dhabi today.
12 September 2025
This was not the Navy Blues first campaign based in Abu Dhabi after being here in 2009 and 2017 for the FIFA Club World Cup.
The club also prepared for its FIFA Intercontinental Cup tie with Al Ain FC at the Le Meridien Hotel and football complex a year ago.
Club chairperson Ivan Vuksich, general manager Gordon Watson and head coach Paul Posa welcomed Kay and O’Connor.
“We’ve had many campaigns and big games in this part of the world and it is always good to connect with our embassies and high commissions around the world.
“We learned many useful insights about Cairo and Egypt and are very excited to be playing in this fascinating city and country,” Vuksich said.
Auckland City FC has one more training day ijn Abu Dhabi before departing for Cairo tomorrow afternoon.
The Oceania champions face Pyramids FC at the 30 June Stadium on Sunday 14 September 2025.
The match kicks off at 9.00pm local time / 5.50am NZST on Monday 15 September 2025 via the FIFA+ streaming platform.
The winner advances to play Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday 23 September 2025.
Ends
Match Details
FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Play-Off
Sunday 14 September 2025 / Monday 15 September 2025
Pyramids FC v Auckland City FC
30 June Stadium, Cairo, Egypt
Kick-off: 9.00pm local / 6.00am NZST
FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup
Tuesday 23 September 2025 / Wednesday 24 September 2025
Al Ahli v winner of FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Play-Off
Venue: TBC
Kick-off: TBC
