NADI, Fiji - The OFC Champions League group stage is already shaping into a battle of fine margins, with every point carrying weight under Lautoka's demanding midday heat.
12 August 2026
Auckland City FC head into Matchday 2 of the OFC Champions League with confidence after after their comeback win over Central Coast FC in the opener, but Head Coach Rudy Mozr and midfielder Gerard Garriga both stressed the importance of focus ahead of Thursday’s clash with New Caledonian champions AS Tiga Sport at Churchill Park, Lautoka.
AS Tiga arrive buoyed by a dramatic 89th‑minute winner from Jean‑Yves Saiko in their opener against AS Vénus, a result that underlined their resilience and attacking threat.
The Navy Blues also recall their 2‑0 victory over Tiga in the 2025 edition in the Solomon Islands, but Mozr insists every game is a final in tournament football.
Rudy Mozr
“Yeah, it’s a challenge, we’re looking forward to it. We watched their first game and a couple of league matches, so we have enough information.They have some threats as well, good speed up top. We’ll probably see tomorrow more if we had it right.”
“The preparation has been good. The club is doing a fantastic job to make recovery easier for the boys and staff. There’s a good vibe around the group and everybody’s looking forward to the game.”
“One win doesn’t justify the tournament. Every game is a final, so we need to make sure we don’t take it easy and get prepared well. It’s hot, definitely hot, but the boys had an amazing attitude in the last game. Even though exhausted, they dug deep and gave all.”
Gerard Garriga
“We know AS Tiga are a strong side — we must be ready from the first minute.”
“The team is confident, training has been good, and we want to show our quality in Fiji. It’s important to start well in the group stage — every point matters.”
With both teams victorious in their opening matches, the stakes are clear: another win tomorrow would all but secure qualification for the knockout stage.
Auckland City’s blend of experience and resilience will be tested against Tiga’s pace and spirit, and under Fiji’s demanding midday heat, the Navy Blues know they must dig deep once again to keep their Oceania crown defence firmly on track.
Ends
MATCH DETAILS
OFC Champions League 2026 – Group A
AS Tiga Sport (NCL) vs Auckland City FC
Thursday 13 August 2026
Kick‑off: 12:00 PM
Churchill Park, Lautoka FIJI
OCL SQUAD: 1. Cam BROWN (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 4. Christian GRAY 5. Nathan ROSTRON 6. Nikko BOXALL 7. Michal DOUDERA 8. Gerard GARRIGA 10. Dylan MANICKUM 11. Ryan DE VRIES 13. Nathan LOBO 14. Shan ANAND 15. Jeremy FOO 17. Ryan WATSON 19. Rhys DAVIES 18. Ari PRASAD (GK) 20. Pavel OSMANčIK 21. Bono KACUROV 23. Alfie ROGERS 24. Matt FOORD (GK) 25. Mike Den HEIJER, 26. Matt ELLIS 27. Tom GOLDING 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
