What happened?

All Freight Logistics Suva lost 0-3 in their debut game at the Fiji Airways OFC Champions League to Auckland City at the ANZ Stadium yesterday.

Suva played defensively from the start, making sure to contain the defending champions earlier on.

But a breakthrough by Auckland’s David Browne in the 11th minute put pressure on Suva players, resulting in a foul inside the box.

The visitors drew first blood from a penalty kick.

The pressure was on Suva to score and USA-based Ethiopian Abdul Aman had a chance to equalise in the 25th minute, but was off the mark.

Halftime: Suva 0-1 Auckland City.

Suva came back firing in the second half applying the pressure on Auckland’s defence. Auckland goalkeeper Tamati Williams had to work extra hard. In the 63rd minute, Ivan Carril extended Auckland’s lead with a brilliant goal. Adam McGeorge sealed the win in the 84th minute as Suva could only defend to make sure Auckland could not score again.

Star Turn

Suva’s goalkeeper Emori Ragata made a lot of good saves.

Big Play

Auckland City proved why they are defending champions, showcasing great football.

Comments

All Freight Logistics Suva coach Gurjit Singh: “It was our first game and it was a bit difficult playing against a really good team. But the boys played well and this is a good experience for them. We need to work on some areas in our next game. It was a good 90 minutes of football and we will be ready for our next game.”

Auckland City coach Ramon Tribulietx said: “Very well-played game, Suva played defensively which made things difficult for us but we played a good side and Suva really made us work hard to win this game. Now we focus on playing our next game but it is a good win for us and should motivate the boys to do better.”

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