In a gripping semifinal clash at Stade Pater, reigning OFC Champions League titleholders Auckland City FC edged out New Caledonian champions AS Magenta with a narrow 1-0 victory. The match’s sole goal came from 17-year-old sensation Stipe Ukich in the second half, ensuring Auckland City’s quest for a record-extending 12th title remains alive.
The New Zealand side faced a formidable challenge from AS Magenta, a team that had eliminated them at the same stage in 2019 before losing to Hienghène Sport in the final. Despite a strenuous schedule that saw Magenta play a rescheduled group stage match just a day prior, Pierre Wajoka’s men displayed commendable resilience and came close to scoring on several occasions.
The match kicked off with AS Magenta showing early promise. In the 20th minute, Cyril Drawilo’s tenacity allowed him to recover a seemingly lost ball and set up Germain Haewegene, whose header was saved by Auckland City’s goalkeeper, Conor Tracey. Auckland City’s response came from Liam Gillion, whose sharp movement on the byline led to a shot that was well-blocked by Magenta’s Mickael Ulile.
The second half saw Magenta starting strong. Jimmy Watu’s powerful shot tested Tracey, and Haewegene squandered a golden opportunity when he broke free only to shoot directly at the keeper. However, it was Auckland City’s youthful winger Ukich who broke the deadlock in the 66th minute. Demonstrating remarkable composure, Ukich received the ball on the right side of the box from team captain Cam Howieson, cut inside a defender, and calmly slotted the ball into the far corner.
As the clock ticked down, Magenta’s fatigue became evident, exacerbated by their packed schedule. Auckland City capitalized on this, controlling the game’s tempo and limiting Magenta’s attacking opportunities. Substitute Ryan De Vries had a chance to double Auckland’s lead in the 85th minute but fired over the bar from the edge of the box.
Magenta’s hopes of a comeback were dashed in the 86th minute when their captain Jean Claude Jewine received two quick yellow cards for excessive complaining, reducing his side to ten men. Auckland City adeptly managed the remaining minutes to secure their victory.
Auckland City will now face AS Pirae from Tahiti in the final, after Pirae triumphed over Fijian side Rewa with a 4-2 extra-time win in the other semifinal. The final promises to be a thrilling encounter as Auckland City aim to defend their title and further cement their legacy in the OFC Champions League.
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