Amicale 0
Auckland City crushed Vanuatu's Amicale 4-0 today to claim their third O-League title and qualify for football's lucrative Fifa Club World Cup later this year.
Auckland took a 2-1 advantage into the second leg at their home ground at Kiwitea Street and went to the break 1-0 up before adding three second half goals to complete a 6-1 aggregate win.
The visitors took the game to Auckland in the first half, and dominated the opening 25 minutes but failed to make the most of their opportunities.
They were made to pay when midfielder Alex Feneridis rifled a spectacular volley past goalkeeper Chikau Mansale after 27 minutes.
Any hopes Amicale had of an unlikely comeback were scuppered 17 minutes into the second half when Auckland fullback Ian Hogg was brought down just inside the box and Tahitian referee Norbert Hauata pointed to the spot. Daniel Koprivcic converted the penalty and 10 minutes later Spanish striker Manel Exposito beat Mansale with a powerful left-foot shot before substitute Adam McGeorge netted with his first touch, a header, to round off the scoring.
Auckland co-coach Ramon Tribulietx hailed the victory which will net the club a US$500,000 ($648,325) prize and a date in Japan in December against some of the best clubs in the world.
"It's huge to have qualified for a Club World Cup and to get the chance to compete against players who are worth millions," said Tribulietx. "For a club like us, this is a massive achievement."
Amicale coach Luke Eroi was disappointed with the result but was proud of making it to the final, the finest ever performance by a Vanuatu club in the O-League.
"We are happy with how we have done throughout the season. Amicale is still a young club so to come this far in a top competition like the O-League is a good effort," he said.
- NZPA
