Auckland City FC 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 defending champions scored two late goals to overcome Central Coast FC in their opening match on Monday, whilst AS Tiga Sport secured a narrow 1-0 in over AS Venus.
It was a first-half low on chances, as both sides struggled to test either goalkeeper. The early kick-off and hot conditions making it tough to play at a high tempo.
Spanish midfielder Gerard Garriga had the first attempt with a clever looping effort that just had too much on it, fading over Thomas Schmidt’s far post.
Auckland City boasted four OFC Pro League players in their starting eleven, with Bula FC duo Matthew Foord and Fergus Gillion joined by South Island United centre-back Christian Gray and Auckland FC striker Matt Ellis, but Rudolf Mozr’s side continued to toil despite dominating possession.
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, sending it flying high over the crossbar.
Their 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 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.
Shene Welepane went almost as close soon after for Tiga Sport, playing a cute one-two before firing an effort from the edge of the box that beat the outstretched hand of Matthew Foord but skidded just wide of the target.
Auckland City continued to press as the match wore on, with Tiga Sport getting deeper in their own half. Ellis was a constant threat from the left and Coach Mozr was able to turn to his bench and introduce the experienced Ryan De Vries, who scored the winner in their opening match earlier in the week.
The New Caledonians task was made significantly harder however when Florian Gope was shown a second yellow card for a rash tackle on the edge of the area, giving referee Ben Aukwai little choice other than to brandish the red.
The man advantage eventually took its toll on Tiga Sport with just five minutes left on the clock, as Auckland City scored yet another late goal. Nathan Lobo’s corner was flicked on by Nathan Rostron and captain Mario Ilich was on hand at the back post to nod in from close range.
The win puts the defending champions on the brink of the final four, whilst AS Tiga Sport will look to rebound in their final group stage match against Central Coast FC at the weekend.
AS Tiga Sport: 0
Auckland City FC: 1 (Mario ILICH 85′)
HT: 0-0
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek