Auckland City to learn semi-final opponents by 6pm on Sunday

posted in: OFC Champions League, Uncategorized |

Auckland City will have to wait till early evening on Sunday (NZT) to learn who they’ll play in Wednesday’s semi-final of the OFC Champions League.

After finishing top of Group A, the Navy Blues will play the runners-up in Group B in Port Vila, Vanuatu, on May 24.

Going into Sunday’s games, any of the four teams could finish first and second in that group to secure semi-final places.

Hekari Unied play AS Pirae at 1pm (NZT) and Tiga Sport meet Ifira Blackbird at 4pm (NZT).

Auckland City were deprived of the chance to play their last pool game on Saturday when Samoa’s Lupe Ole Soaga defaulted because they were unable to field a team due to injuries.

City coach Albert Riera is disappointed his side didn’t get to play but has turned his attention to the semi-finals.

“We would have loved to have played another game in front of these crowds; instead we had a good training session,” he said.

Asked whether a week off between matches would be a positive or a negative for his side, Riera felt it wouldn’t have a detrimental effect.

“We have to find the positive and be flexible, and I believe it will be a positive and we can have two full training sessions before the semi-final.”

Having praised the training facilities and the quality of the playing surface before the tournament, Riera was effusive in his praise for the people of Luganville.

“We have had a great time in Luganville, engaging with the locals and it has been an eye opener the way they love the game. The training facilities and the ground have been spot on and second to none.”