AUCKLAND, New Zealand - After a thrilling FIFA Club World Cup campaign that saw Auckland City FC fly the flag for New Zealand and Oceania on the world stage, the Navy Blues return to familiar territory, domestic football, and the hunt for National League glory.
11 July 2025
The team’s return to home turf comes with an enticing fixture: a visit to the Bay of Plenty to face Tauranga City at Mt Maunganui’s Links Ave this Saturday afternoon.
It’s not just another round of football. It’s a reunion steeped in drama. The last time these teams locked horns was in the league opener, a match that doubled as a celebration and a statement.
With the Club World Cup trophy dazzling on display at Kiwitea Street, Auckland City FC kicked off their season with heart-stopping resolve, playing the second half with just nine men and still stealing a 2–1 win thanks to Myer Bevan’s heroic 99th-minute strike.
That day was unforgettable. Skipper Mario Ilich headed home the equaliser, defender Adam Mitchell and substitute Tong Zhou saw red, and despite the numerical disadvantage, the Navy Blues clung on and snatched victory from the jaws of chaos.
Coach Paul Posa, summed it up best: “We showed a lot of character and resilience… To win was the most important thing on what was a special day for the club.”
Fast forward to now, and the table adds extra spice. Auckland City sit fourth with 25 points from 13 matches, while Tauranga are right behind in sixth, just a point shy, though having played two games more.
With the battle for National League spots intensifying, as seven teams are still in the race for the four National League qualifying spots, both the Navy Blues and Tauranga know what’s on the line, and they won’t hold back.
So if you’re heading down to Tauranga or tuning in on FIFA + HERE expect another, passionate and keenly contested showdown.
MATCH DETAILS
Norther League Rund 16
Tauranga City v Auckland City FC
Links Ave, Mt Manganui,
KO: Saturday12 July, 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 KANUI BELL 22. Tong ZHOU 23. Alfie ROGERS, 24. Nathan GARROW (GK) 25. Michael DEN HEIJER, 26. David YOO, 27. Haris ZEB
HEAD COACH: Paul POSA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Adria CASALS
GOALKEEPER COACH: Jonas HOFFMANN
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
