Auckland City move closer to semi-finals as Central Coast bounce back in Group A

Auckland City FC and Central Coast FC were the winners on the latest match day of the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League, with the New Zealand champions edging AS Tiga Sport 1-0 before the Solomon Islands side produced a convincing 3-0 victory over AS Vénus in Lautoka.

The earlier match was a tight and often cagey contest, with clear chances limited for long periods. Auckland City controlled more of the ball, but AS Tiga Sport remained competitive and made the defending champions work for every opening.

Matt Ellis came close early in the second half when his effort struck the inside of the post, while Tiga also threatened through Shene Welepane.

The match changed when Florian Gope was shown a second yellow card, leaving the New Caledonian champions with ten men as Auckland increased the pressure.

The decisive moment finally arrived in the 85th minute. Nathan Lobo’s corner was flicked on by Nathan Rostron and captain Mario Ilich was waiting at the back post to head home from close range and secure a 1-0 victory.

The result continued Auckland City’s perfect start to the tournament, following their late 2-1 comeback victory over Central Coast in the opening round.

Later in the day, Central Coast responded emphatically to that defeat by overpowering AS Vénus 3-0.

The Solomon Islands champions started strongly and opened the scoring after only eight minutes. Raphael Lea’i delivered a corner into the area, captain Javin Wae headed the ball down and Barrie Limoki reacted quickest to finish.

Lea’i then went from provider to scorer in the 19th minute. Prince Tahunipue played the Solomon Islands international through on goal and Lea’i calmly beat goalkeeper Tetahio Teriinohopuaiterai to double Central Coast’s advantage.

Only five minutes later, another Lea’i corner caused problems for the Tahitian defence. Wae again won the aerial battle and Bobby Leslie converted from close range to make it 3-0.

Central Coast were unable to add further goals in the second half, but remained comfortably in control and restricted AS Vénus to few meaningful opportunities.

The victory gave Central Coast their first three points of the competition and, importantly, strengthened their goal difference ahead of the final round.

Auckland City now lead Group A with six points from two matches, while Central Coast and AS Tiga Sport have three points each. AS Vénus remain without a point.

That sets up a decisive final group-stage encounter between Central Coast and AS Tiga Sport, with the winner in a strong position to join Auckland City in the semi-finals. Auckland will complete their group campaign against AS Vénus.