BA, Fiji - Auckland City FC delivered a commanding, one‑sided semi-final performance in Ba, overpowering Rewa FC 3–1 to secure yet another OFC Champions League Final berth.
19 August 2026
From the first whistle to the last, the Navy Blues controlled every phase of the match — tempo, territory, and chances — producing their most complete display of the tournament.
City’s intent was clear early. A sweeping attacking move involving Matt Ellis, Alfie Rogers and Michal Doudera carved Rewa open, with Ryan De Vries firing just over the bar.
Moments later, Pavel Osmancik was denied by a superb save from goalkeeper James Do’oro, who would go on to produce a string of outstanding stops.
The breakthrough arrived in the 34th minute. Gerard Garriga timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap and finished with trademark composure for 1–0.
City nearly doubled the lead immediately — De Vries seeing an effort cleared off the line after another flowing move — before Do’oro produced a brilliant double save, first from skipper Mario Ilich, then from Doudera.
The pressure finally told on the stroke of halftime. From a corner, Nathan Rostron reacted quickest and finished from close range to make it 2–0.
The second half began exactly the same way: City on the front foot. Matt Ellis burst through the Rewa back line with a lovely run and dispatched a brilliant finish for 3–0 before the hour mark.
The Navy Blues continued to create chances — De Vries denied again by a top‑class save after being set up by Osmancik, Ilich’s header tipped over the bar, Jeremy Foo kept out from the edge of the box, and Bono Kacurov also denied.
Kacurov struck the crossbar in the 89th minute, and from the resulting transition Rewa countered and scored a consolation through Josaia Sela, closing the match at 3–1.
But the scoreline barely reflected the dominance: Auckland City were in complete control throughout, producing a semifinal performance worthy of champions.
Player of the Match — Michal Doudera
Doudera claimed the award for the second consecutive match after another influential midfield performance.
“It feels incredible. I think this was our best performance,” he said. “We kept the ball, created chances, started well, ended well. Everyone deserves this award today.”
On reaching the final in his first Oceania campaign, he added: “I’m so excited. We were looking forward to this tournament since I came here. Me, Pavel and Rudi are just happy to be part of this team.”
Head Coach — Rudy Mozr
Mozr praised both the performance and the approach.
“From the first minute to the 95th, the boys were very dominant. The score could have been even more. They made our job easier with how they approached the game.”
He also acknowledged Rewa’s development. “They play positional football that’s not common in Fiji. They’ll be the next big thing in Oceania. The coaching staff is doing a fantastic job.”
On City’s attacking identity, he said: “I like attacking football. Sometimes you concede, but I prefer to win that way. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be happy with a 1–0 in the final.”
Final Showdown Looms
The Navy Blues will now meet Central Coast FC in Saturday’s OFC Champions League title decider, after the Solomon Islands champions edged Vanuatu’s Galaxy FC 3–2 in extra time in the other semi‑final.
It sets up a rematch of the opening Group A clash, where Auckland City prevailed 2–1 in a hard‑fought contest. This time, the stakes are higher, the margin for error slimmer, and the prize far greater.
Ends
OFC Champions League 2026 – SF
Govind Park, Ba, FIJI
Auckland City FC : 3 (Gerard GARRIGA 34’, Nathan ROSTRON 44’ Matt Ellis 54’)
Rewa FC (FIJ) : 1 (Josaia SELA 89’)
HT:-2-0
AC: 1. 24. Matt FOORD (GK) 2. Mario ILICH C) 4. Christian GRAY 5. Nathan ROSTRON (13. Nathan LOBO 57’) 7. Michal DOUDERA 8. Gerard GARRIGA (16. Fergus GILLION 76’) 11. Ryan DE VRIE (15. Jeremy FOO 76’) S (21. Bono KACUROV 67’) 20. Pavel OSMANčIK 23. Alfie ROGERS 25. Mike Den HEIJER 26. Matt ELLIS (17. Ryan WATSON 67’)
SUBS NOT USED: 1. Cam BROWN (GK) 6. Nikko BOXALL 10. Dylan MANICKUM 14. Shan ANAND 19. Rhys DAVIES 18. Ari PRASAD (GK) 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
