Auckland back on top in Oceania

Auckland City from New Zealand have won the 2022 OFC Champions League.

Àuckland City celebrate with the OCL trophy. (Photo Shane Wenzlick / Phototek)

The Kiwis claimed their 10th continental trophy with a solid 3-0 win over Tahiti side AS Venus.

The first-half saw goals from Cam Howieson and Gerard Garriga to give Auckland a good base to build on.

The result was settled with a late goal from Emiliano Tade.

Auckland City celebrate at the 2022 OFC Champions League final (Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek)

Auckland City coach Albert Riera, who himself took several OCL trophies with Auckland as a player, was of course happy with the 10th title for the club.

“I couldn’t be happier, especially for the players. I’ve lost track of how many trainings and games we’ve had. Its been a very long journey,” Riera said in a post-match interview.

The title was the Navy Blues first since 2017.

“It was time to get it (the OCL trophy) back, and we did it today,” Riera said.

The Auckland coach also took some time to congratulate AS Venus on reaching the final.

“They have a fantastic squad. We knew it was gonna be a hard battle and it was. They were very organized,” said Riera.