Auckland City Leave it Late Again to Land Second Win at OFC Champions League

Defending champions Auckland City have scored another late goal to seal a vital 1-0 win over AS Tiga Sport and all-but-confirm their place in the semi-finals of the OFC Men’s Champions League.

The early kick-off and hot conditions made it tough to play at a high tempo, but Auckland City boasted four OFC Pro League players in their starting eleven.

Spanish midfielder Gerard Garriga had the first attempt for City with a clever looping effort that just had too much on it, fading over Thomas Schmidt’s far post.

Auckland City’s Dominance

Auckland City dominated possession but struggled to test either goalkeeper in the first half. Tiga Sport finally mustered an effort after the half-hour mark, but Willy Read could only snatch at his shot from the edge of the penalty area.

There was a distinct uptick in tempo and intent from the champions after the break, and they almost had the crucial breakthrough within minutes of the restart.

Matt Ellis picked the ball up on the left flank and drove infield, before whipping in a low effort that beat Schmidt, only to see the ball hit the inside of the post and fly agonisingly across the face of goal.