Auckland City FC has advanced to the OFC Men’s Champions League final after a hard-fought 1-0 semi-final victory over New Caledonia’s AS Magenta at Stade Pater in Tahiti.
The New Zealand side, aiming for a record-extending 12th title was pushed to the limit by a determined AS Magenta team that had only one day’s rest following their rescheduled final group stage match.
The defining moment for Auckland City came mid-second half when young winger Stipe Ukich skillfully manoeuvred inside the box and slotted the ball into the far corner and broke the deadlock in the 66th minute.
As the match neared its conclusion, AS Magenta’s hopes dwindled after Jean Claude Jewine received two quick yellow cards, reducing the side to ten men and giving Auckland City the advantage to better defend their lone goal.
