As the grand final of the OFC Champions League approaches, excitement and anticipation are reaching a fever pitch. This Friday, May 24th, Stade Pater in Pirae, Tahiti, will be the battleground where Auckland City FC, the reigning champions, clash with AS Pirae. Auckland City aims to secure their 12th title, while AS Pirae, the hosts, are vying for their first-ever championship, a potential historic milestone for Tahitian football.
Auckland City: The Established Powerhouse
Auckland City FC, the dominant force in Oceania club football, comes into this final with a wealth of experience and a proven track record. Their journey to the final saw them narrowly edge out AS Magenta with a 1-0 victory in the semifinals. Under the astute guidance of head coach Albert Riera, Auckland City boasts a blend of seasoned campaigners and promising young talents.
Key players for Auckland City include goalkeeper Conor Tracey, captain Cam Howieson, and experienced striker Ryan de Vries. These seasoned players bring a wealth of experience and have been instrumental in past triumphs. Complementing them are dynamic young players like Liam Gillion, Stipe Ukich, Joe Lee, and Nathan Lobo, who have injected fresh energy into the squad. Additionally, the Spanish midfielder Gerrard Garriga, one of the standout performers of the previous edition, will be crucial in orchestrating play from the midfield.
AS Pirae: The Hopeful Contenders
On the other side, AS Pirae is fueled by the dream of capturing their first OFC Champions League title. Their path to the final was dramatic, requiring extra time to secure a 4-2 victory against Rewa from Fiji in the semifinals. Belgian winger Désiré Ngiamba delivered a stellar performance, showcasing his spped and nerves of steel to score from the penalty spot twice in the dying minutes of the game against the Fijian side.
AS Pirae’s squad features several players from the Tahiti national team, bringing a strong sense of unity and local pride. Goalkeeper François Decoret, defender Matatia Paama, midfielders Donovan Bourebare and Yohann Tihonni, and forwards Alvin Tehau and Sandro Tau form the backbone of the team. The young Ariiura Labaste, a standout in this tournament with four goals, alongside star player Désiré Ngiamba, is just one goal shy of the tournament’s top scorer Germain Haewegene from Magenta.
The Final Countdown
As fans gear up for this monumental clash, questions abound: Will Auckland City’s reign continue, or can AS Pirae achieve a historic victory for Tahitian football? The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, with both teams bringing their best to Stade Pater. Hopefully, the stands will be filled up with fans to support the home side and also with travellers from New Zealand – something different seen in the tournament so far with lack of public in both venus of the OFC Champions League.
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