BA, Fiji - Auckland City FC arrive at the semi‑final stage of the OFC Men’s Champions League with maximum points from Group A and a growing sense of purpose.
18 August 2026
Three wins from three have carried the Navy Blues to Govind Park in Ba, where they will meet hosts Rewa FC on Wednesday afternoon with a place in Saturday’s final at stake.
Navy Blues march through Group A
City’s group campaign began with a 2–1 victory over Central Coast FC, followed by a narrow 1–0 win against AS Tiga Sport thanks to Mario Ilich’s decisive header.
The Navy Blues closed out the section in dramatic fashion, overturning a two‑goal deficit to defeat AS Vénus 4–3, with Matt Ellis striking late to secure a perfect record.
Rewa’s road to the semi‑final
Rewa’s journey began with a heavy 4–1 defeat to Galaxy FC, punished by a hat‑trick from Willian Dos Santos Medina.
They responded in style, defeating Tupapa Maraerenga 4–2 through goals from Ramzan Khan, Joseph Athale, Setareki Hughes and Josaia Sela.
Their decisive moment came in the final round, overturning Lae City 2–1 to clinch second place in Group B behind Galaxy and a semi‑final berth on home soil.
Head‑to‑head history
The two clubs have met three times in the OFC Champions League since 2022. Auckland City won the first encounter 3–0, while the last two meetings ended in draws — 2–2 in 2024 and 1–1 in 2025.
The record shows one win and two draws for City, with six goals scored and three conceded. Rewa have yet to defeat the Navy Blues, but recent draws underline their growing competitiveness.
Coach’s view
Head Coach Rudy Mozr is clear about the challenge ahead:
“Our first goal was to get out of the group — now the aim is to reach the final and be successful there. Rewa have good depth across the squad and have improved through the tournament — it won’t be easy. We are very fortunate to feel the support from back home, it gives us that extra energy.”
MATCH DETAILS
OFC Champions League 2026 – SF
Auckland City FC vs Rewa FC (FIJ)
Wednesday 19 August 2026
Kick‑off: 3:00 PM
Govind Park, Ba FIJI
Supporters can gather at Kiwitea Street clubrooms, where the match will be streamed live from 2.30pm NZT.
Ends
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
