AUCKLAND, New Zealand — After a two-month stretch away from home, Auckland City FC will return to Kiwitea Street this Saturday with purpose and momentum.
1 August 2025
The Navy Blues host Fencibles United in what promises to be a crucial chapter in their quest to reclaim the Northern League crown.
City couldn’t be riding a bigger wave. In the space of just seven days, they’ve toppled the top two teams on the ladder, Western Springs and Birkenhead, with gritty performances that have reignited their title challenge and positioned them firmly inside the top three.
The win against Birkenhead, sealed by a determined performance and a decisive goal from their lively winger Haris Zeb served notice: Auckland City means business. “Yeah, honestly, boys just got to keep on marching,” he said after the match. “We’ve still got a few games to go to qualify for that National League spot and even potentially win the league.”
With only five rounds remaining, every game is a must-win for City. Qualification for the National League and a shot at the title are both within reach, but only if they stay razor-focused and keep the winning streak alive. Back at Fortress Kiwitea, where their best football often shines, they’ll be looking to lock in three more points and keep pressure on their rivals.
But Fencibles United won’t make it easy. Sitting second from bottom, the visitors are desperate for points to climb out of the relegation zone. Rhys Ruka’s side has claimed just one point in their last four matches and will need to find another gear if they’re to survive.
Despite the gap on the table, Fencibles showed real grit in the teams’ first-ever meeting back in April, pushing Auckland City all the way in a tense 2–1 contest at Riverhills Park, a match City had to claw back from behind to win.
This Saturday’s match will see two sides with everything tom play for. City, hungry to defend their title; Fencibles, fighting to stay afloat.
The Navy Blues are back home, back in form, and back in control of their destiny. But football has a habit of flipping scripts.
If you can’t come down to Kiwitea on Saturday, watch this crucial match live and free on FIFA +
Northern League R18
Saturday, 2 August
Auckland City FC v. Fencibles United
Kick-off: 3:00pm
AC SQUAD: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL 4. Christian GRAY 5. Nikko BOXALL, 6. Jackson MANUEL 7. Myer BEVAN 8. Gerard GARRIGA 9. Angus KILKOLLY 10. Dylan MANICKUM 11. Ryan DE VRIES 12. Regont MURATI 13. Nathan LOBO 14. Jordan VALE, 15. Jeremy FOO, 16. Joe LEE 17. Jerson LAGOS 18. Sebastian CIGANDA (GK) 19. Dylan CONNOLLY, 20. Matt ELLIS, 21. Adam BELL 22. Tong ZHOU 23. Alfie ROGERS, 24. Nathan GARROW (GK) 25. Michael DEN HEIJER, 26. David YOO, 27. Haris ZEB, 28 Paris DOMFEH
HEAD COACH : Paul POSA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Adria CASALS
GOALKEEPER COACH: Jonas HOFFMANN
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
