BA, Fiji - Auckland City FC reaffirmed their dynasty with a record‑extending 14th OFC Men’s Champions League title, defeating Central Coast FC 2–0 in Ba, Fiji, to secure a fifth consecutive crown and complete a five‑match unbeaten perfect campaign.
23 August 2026
The final was finely balanced until the hour mark. Ryan De Vries broke the deadlock with a sharp finish after sustained pressure, before Matt Ellis added a second to put the result beyond doubt.
Central Coast, led by the dangerous Rafa Lea’i, had threatened on the counter but were unable to break through Auckland City’s defensive organisation.
Head coach Rudy Mozr praised the resilience and discipline of his side:
“We stayed calm, trusted our structure, and the goals came when it mattered. It’s more privilege than pressure — Auckland City has built an incredible history in this competition, but our responsibility isn’t to live in the past, it’s to create the next chapter.”
Captain Mario Ilich, named Player of the Match, reflected on the achievement:
“We set out to change that number 13 to 14 — huge achievement and I’m proud of everyone involved. It was a real professional team performance across the whole tournament, every player contributed.”
The triumph capped a five‑match unbeaten perfect campaign, with Auckland City winning every game in Fiji to underline their status as Oceania’s standard‑bearers.
There was further recognition for goalkeeper Matt Foord, whose consistency and safe hands earned him the Golden Glove award as the tournament’s best keeper.
His performances were pivotal to Auckland City’s title defence.
For Auckland City, the victory is more than another trophy. It is a continuation of a legacy built over two decades, a statement of intent, and a reminder that in Oceania, City means everything.
Ends
OFC Champions League 2026 – FINAL
Govind Park, Ba – FIJI
Auckland City FC : 2 (Ryan DE VRIES 69’ Matt ELLIS 78’)
Central Coast FC (SOL) : 0
HT: 0-0
AC: 24. Matt FOORD (GK) 2. Mario ILICH C) 4. Christian GRAY 5. Nathan ROSTRON 7. Michal DOUDERA (16. Fergus GILLION 89′) 8. Gerard GARRIGA 21. Bono KACUROV 85′) 11. Ryan DE VRIES (17. Ryan WATSON 74’) 13. Nathan LOBO (23. Alfie ROGERS 74′) 20. Pavel OSMANčIK 25. Mike Den HEIJER 26. Matt ELLIS (27. Tom GOLDING 85′)
SUBS NOT USED: 1. Cam BROWN (GK) 6. Nikko BOXALL (10. Dylan MANICKUM)14. Shan ANAND 15. Jeremy FOO, 19. Rhys DAVIES 30. Ari PRASAD GK
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
