Solomon Islands club eye historic OFC title against Auckland City

Central Coast have already made Solomon Islands football history by reaching the Oceania Men’s Champions League final.

Now they want to finish the job in Fiji this weekend.

The Solomon Islands side face defending champions Auckland City FC in Saturday’s final of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) tournament at 4R Stadium Govind Park in Ba.

This comes just 10 days after the two sides met in the group stage.

Central Coast led that first meeting before Auckland City fought back to win 2-1. But the Solomon Islands club has responded with three straight victories to reach its first continental final.

It is the first time a Solomon Islands club has reached the final in 17 years, since Koloale FC lost to Auckland City over two legs in 2009.

Defending champions Auckland City FC are chasing a record-extending 14th OFC Men’s Champions League title when they meet Central Coast FC in Saturday’s final. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

Central Coast’s latest win was a dramatic 3-2 extra-time thriller over Vanuatu’s Galaxy FC, with Solomon Islands international Rafa Lea’i scoring all three goals, including the winner in the 117th minute.

The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the tournament’s standout players and will again be central to Central Coast’s hopes.

Coach Jacob Moli says the team’s progress has come from growing stronger as the tournament has gone on.

Central Coast FC head coach Jacob Moli says his side has improved throughout the tournament and will need to make their chances count against Auckland City. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

“Everyone was excited after the win in the semi-final and we had to work really hard for it," he said in an OFC statement.

"Our match fitness has slowly improved over the tournament. We'll continue to work and put together a gameplan that we think can halt Auckland City in the final.”

Moli knows Central Coast cannot afford to waste their chances against a side with a long record of success.

“It's anybody's game. If we do things right, we have a chance. Our finishing is something we've really worked on. I've told the boys that in big games like this, we have to make our chances count.”

Auckland City arrive in the final unbeaten in their four matches at this year's tournament and with a remarkable 31-match winning streak in the competition.

The New Zealand club beat Fiji’s Rewa FC 3-1 in their semi-final, with Gerard Garriga, Nathan Rostron and Matt Ellis scoring.

Auckland City FC head coach Rudy Mozr says he has “a lot of respect” for Central Coast FC ahead of their OFC Men’s Champions League final clash. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

Auckland City are chasing a record-extending 14th OFC Champions League title and have won all 13 finals they have played.

Coach Rudy Mozr expects another tough contest against Central Coast.

“After the first match, I said I wouldn't be surpised if we met Central Coast again in the final," his statement read.

"They are a very good team and I have a lot of respect for Jacob Moli and his players. It's a short competition, and thay way they secured that win in the semi-final is dangerous for us.”

Mozr says Auckland City are determined to add another title to the club's record.

“The club has done extremely well in the past, and that's put the responsibility on us to carry on that record. I want to make it 14 titles in this competition, and we're really looking forward to this final.”

Central Coast will take confidence from knowing they have already pushed Auckland City hard in this tournament.

But history heavily favours the defending champions, who also beat Central Coast 2-0 in the 2022 semi-final.

For the Solomon Islands side, Saturday offers a chance to turn that history on its head and bring the OFC title home.

Auckland City FC v Central Coast FC, Saturday 22 August, 3pm (NZT), 2pm (SIT). The final will be streamed live and free on FIFA+ via DAZN.

For more action from the Oceania Football Confederation, click here.