Auckland’s reign given the Welly
Team Wellington have ended Auckland City’s seven-year reign as champions of Oceania.
They won their OFC Champions League semifinal on away goals, after drawing 2-2 on aggregate, and will now chase a maiden title – they had a 2-2 draw on Sunday in Auckland, after a 0-0 draw at home last week.
The visitors steadily built momentum throughout the first half before taking the lead in the 37th minute, when Eric Molloy thundered a far-post header past City keeper Enaut Zubikarai.
It was the first time City had conceded in 1405 minutes of play in all competitions, but it only took four minutes for another to sail by, as Angus Kilkolly converted from the penalty spot, following a collision in the box between City midfielder Cam Howieson and Wellington defender Roy Kayara.
City coach Ramon Tribulietx had opted to stick with the changed system he used last weekend, playing with three at the back in order to try to counter Team Wellington’s high press, but more than anything, it seemed to leave his players uncertain of what to do, with their usual patterns not available.
Teenage forward Callum McCowatt found himself in an unfamiliar role as right wingback, and it was no surprise that Molloy, Wellington’s left wingback, became a prominent figure.
City looked strong in the opening 15 minutes, but after that, the rest of the first half was all Team Wellington. They forced a pair of fine double saves from Zubikarai, in the 23rd and 30th minutes.
Then came the goals, which, as they were scored on the road, meant a draw would leave Team Wellington going through, ending the prospect of extra time or penalties.
Andy Bevin was the creator for Molloy’s header, getting into the box down the right, and playing a perfectly weighted ball to the back post, where the Irishman thundered it home into the far side of the net.
Tribulietx reshuffled his troops after the opener, moving back to the 4-3-3 system that has become synonymous with City during his reign.
Needing three second-half goals to advance to the final and keep their hopes of an eighth Champions League title in a row alive, City came out strong. In the 77th minute, they pulled one back, as an Emiliano Tade free kick took a deflection off Taylor Schrijvers to leave Basalaj stranded.
With two minutes to play, Wellington defender Scott Hilliar turned the ball into the back of his net, putting City one goal way, but that goal never came – the match ended when Basalaj punched a corner clear 11 minutes into added time.
Marist of the Solomon Islands were playing Lautoka of Fiji in the other semifinal later on yesterday afternoon.