Football: Auckland win President's Cup

John Irving of Auckland City FC. Photo / Photosport.

Auckland City 2
Amicale FC 1

Auckland City have won the inaugural OFC President's Cup after coming from behind to beat Amicale FC 2-1 in the final at Trusts Stadium last night.

Auckland started slowly, but produced two moments of real quality in the second half to claim the title over a talented Vanuatu side.

Amicale opened the scoring in the first half, after capitalising on a loose Ivan Vicelich pass to set up a breathless counter attack, which speedster Francois Sakama finished expertly.

City equalised in the 63rd minute when Emiliano Tade linked up for a clever one-two with Ryan De Vries before the Argentinian striker rifled a left footed shot into the roof of the net.

After a slow, measured first half the equaliser kicked the second into life and both sides threw bodies forward searching for the win.

De Vries scored the winner in the 78th minute, after receiving a delicately weighted flick from Tim Payne before lobbing the on-rushing goalkeeper.

Amicale boasted players with European and A-League experience as well as former All Whites defender Ian Hogg and dominated possession in the first half and always looked dangerous on the counter attack.

But Auckland kept a cool head and got stronger as the game went on, and in the end, were deserved champions.

Amicale 1 (Francois Sakama)
Auckland City 2 (Emiliano Tade, Ryan De Vries)