Auckland City complete dramatic comeback as Central Coast secure semi-final place

Auckland City FC and Central Coast FC confirmed their places in the semi-finals of the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League after an eventful final round of Group A matches at Four R Stadium in Ba.

The day began with Auckland City defeating AS Vénus 4-3 in one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament so far. The New Zealand champions only needed a draw to secure top spot in the group, but the Tahitian side pushed them to the limit before a stoppage-time winner completed Auckland’s comeback.

AS Vénus made an excellent start and opened the scoring after only six minutes. Captain Roonui Tehau released Moeava Kaiha behind the Auckland defence, and the forward kept his composure to finish past goalkeeper Matt Foord.

The Tahitians doubled their advantage in the 26th minute. Germain Haewegene made progress down the wing before finding Mathis Lacan inside the area, with the midfielder placing his effort into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

Auckland City managed to reduce the deficit just before half-time. Michal Doudera cut inside and produced a powerful left-footed strike from outside the penalty area in the fourth minute of stoppage time, giving the defending champions a way back into the contest.

Christian Gray completed the first comeback in the 54th minute, rising highest from a Tom Golding corner to head Auckland level.

AS Vénus were far from finished. Haewegene broke through Auckland’s defensive line in the 77th minute and calmly finished past Foord to restore the Tahitian side’s lead at 3-2.

Once again, Auckland responded.

Ryan Watson converted from a cross in the 84th minute to make it 3-3 before Matt Ellis delivered the decisive moment in the first minute of stoppage time. The forward got beyond the Vénus defence and fired past replacement goalkeeper Herehau Reichart to complete a remarkable 4-3 comeback.

The victory ensured Auckland City finished Group A with a perfect nine points and extended their long unbeaten run in the OFC Men’s Champions League.

The second match of the day was effectively a direct playoff between Central Coast FC and AS Tiga Sport for the remaining semi-final place.

Central Coast entered the match knowing a draw would be enough, while Tiga required victory. The Solomon Islands champions nevertheless started aggressively and took the lead after 15 minutes.

Captain Javin Wae stepped up for a free kick and curled a low effort into the bottom corner to give Central Coast a crucial advantage.

Rafa Lea’i and Bobby Leslie remained dangerous throughout the match, while Tiga struggled to turn their possession and attacking moments into clear opportunities against a disciplined Central Coast defence.

The New Caledonian side made several changes after half-time in an attempt to change the contest, but their need to push players forward also created additional space for Central Coast.

Lea’i nearly made it 2-0 after combining with Leslie, only for goalkeeper Thomas Schmidt to produce an excellent save.

The decisive second goal eventually arrived in the 72nd minute. Lea’i delivered a corner towards the back post and Marlon Tahioa rose above the defence to head the ball into the bottom corner.

Central Coast protected their advantage for the remainder of the match to secure a 2-0 victory and their first OFC Champions League semi-final appearance since 2022.

The final standings leave Auckland City top of Group A with nine points, followed by Central Coast on six. AS Tiga Sport finish with three points, while AS Vénus end their campaign without a point despite pushing Auckland City all the way in their final match.

The semi-finals are now confirmed for Wednesday at Four R Stadium in Ba. Auckland City will face Fiji representatives Rewa FC, while Central Coast will meet Group B winners Galaxy FC.

The second semi-final creates one of the tournament’s most intriguing match-ups, with Central Coast’s Solomon Islands contingent coming up against an unbeaten Galaxy side led by Willian Dos Santos Medina, who scored nine goals during the group stage.