Auckland FC have set up a meeting with South Melbourne FC in the first OFC Pro League final, after edging out South Island United 1-0 at Go Media Stadium in Auckland.
It was Auckland FC who found the second semi-final’s only breakthrough – Isa Prins coming off the bench to nod home the winner in the second half.
With South Melbourne ineligible to qualify for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup™, given their status as a Australian club in the Asian Football Confederation, victory has also assured Auckland FC a place in the international club competition ahead of Sunday’s final.
Having faced each other in a Leaders Group fixture just eight days earlier, and the semi-final being their fourth meeting of the season, both sides knew each other well. Auckland FC coach Luke Casserly made seven changes to his starting eleven, whilst Rob Sherman made three alterations to his South Island United line-up.
With so much at stake, a cagey feel dominated the opening exchanges between the two New Zealand rivals. Auckland FC largely had the better of the running, but clear opportunities were few and far between.
The best opportunity of the first half fell to Auckland striker Jonty Bidois, who forced Steven Van Dijk into an impressive save with a header from close range, following an excellent cross from Daniel Normann.
The following corner delivery also saw Dauntae Mariner act swiftly to head clear off the goal-line, saving South Island United’s blushes.
Heading to the sheds goalless after an uneventful opening period – extra-time in this second semi-final appeared on the cards.
A well-worked attacking move from South Island United in the early stages of the half was promising, but Haris Zeb could only place his first-time shot straight at Oscar Mason. David Yoo followed with a wild solo effort well wide of the right post.
Searching for a breakthrough in a contest struggling for life, Auckland FC coach Luke Casserly turned to his bench, injecting both Isa Prins and Aston Burns into the action to spearhead the side’s attack.
It was Prins who provided exactly what was needed, directing a pinpoint header past the diving arms of Van Dijk and into the top-left corner of the net for the decisive goal in the 72nd minute.
That shook South Island United, who failed to muster a response through the final quarter. Captain Christian Gray flicked a header wide of the left post from the edge of the box, but that was otherwise as close as they came to levelling.
The final whistle brought joyous scenes of celebration from the Auckland FC bench, and brought an end to South Island United’s inaugural campaign.
Auckland can now look forward to Sunday’s final at Eden Park, in what will be a showpiece moment for football in Oceania.
Auckland FC: 1 (Isa PRINS 72’)
South Island United: 0
HT: 0-0
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek