LAUTOKA, Fiji - Auckland City FC began their Oceania crown defence with a comeback win, overturning a second‑half deficit to beat Central Coast FC 2–1 in Fiji.
10 August 2026
Goals from Gerard Garriga and Ryan De Vries inside two minutes sealed a gritty opening victory on a night when the Navy Blues were pushed to the limit.
First‑half tension
The opening exchanges were cagey but full of incident. Garriga forced the first save from Eric Wanega, while Junior David stung the palms of Matt Foord at the other end.
Pavel Osmančík went close over the bar after a Doudera delivery, and Foord had to react sharply when Nathan Rostron’s clearance nearly turned into an own goal.
City skipper Mario Ilich’s header tested Wanega, but the best chance fell to Rafa Lea’i, who blasted over with the goal gaping. Foord then produced a double save to deny Lea’i and Hudyn Irodao, before another let‑off in stoppage time when Irodao set up Lea’i, whose shot narrowly missed.
Shock and response
Seven minutes after the restart, Central Coast thought they had broken through, only for the flag to deny them. But just before the hour, Bobby Leslie finished from Lea’i’s assist to put the Solomon Islanders ahead.
The Navy Blues looked rattled, but the substitutions shifted the rhythm. Garriga forced another save, Matt Ellis saw his effort cleared off the line, and Ryan De Vries — introduced in the 62nd minute and making an immediate impact — twice went close.
The breakthrough came in the 78th minute: Wanega parried an Osmančík shot, and Garriga pounced to equalise. Two minutes later, Nathan Lobo’s ball found De Vries, who volleyed home to complete the turnaround.
Fergus Gillion’s header rattled the woodwork late on, but by then the damage was done — Auckland City had already done enough to secure a vital three points and launch their 2026 campaign.
Voices from the camp
“Firstly, it’s always good to make your first game a win — it’s important for the group. It was a tough opponent, well organised, and all the threats we expected were there. The response from the boys was fantastic.” — Head Coach Rudy Mozr.
“To finally reach 150 after injuries means a lot to me. It was a very tough game, but the boys responded really well. The subs made a big difference, and that’s what we’ll need if we want to go far in this competition.” — Alfie Rogers.
Next up
City next face AS Tiga Sport of New Caledonia, who also opened their campaign with a 1–0 win over Group A rivals AS Vénus.
Thursday’s clash at Churchill Park in Lautoka promises another stern test as the Navy Blues continue their pursuit of a record‑extending 14th Oceania crown.
Ends
OFC Champions League 2026 – Group A
Churchill Park, Lautoka, FIJI
Central Coast FC (SOL): 1 (Bobby LESLIE 58’)
Auckland City FC : 2 (Gerard GARRIGA 78’, Ryan DE VRIES 80’)
HT: 0-0
AC: 1. 24. Matt FOORD (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 4. Christian GRAY 5. Nathan ROSTRON 7. Michal DOUDERA (15. Jeremy FOO 86′) 8. Gerard GARRIGA 17. Ryan WATSON (16. Fergus GILLION 75′) 20. Pavel OSMANčIK 21. Bono KACUROV (11. Ryan DE VRIES 62′) 23. Alfie ROGERS (13. Nathan LOBO 75′) 26. Matt ELLIS (27. Tom GOLDING 86′)
Ends
SUBS NOT USED: 1. Cam BROWN (GK) 6. Nikko BOXALL 10. Dylan MANICKUM 14. Shan ANAND 19. Rhys DAVIES 18. Ari PRASAD (GK) 25. Mike Den HEIJER 30. Ari PRASAD
HEAD COACH: Rudy MOZR
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Alan SHAKER
GOALKEEPER COACH: Adam BANNISTER
TRAINER: Karlo PAVIC
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
PHYSIO: Zara ELLIS
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
