Thursday 11 September 2025

DUBAI, UAE — Auckland City FC put in a determined shift on Middle Eastern soil, falling 1–0 to UAE side FC United in a gritty friendly that served as vital preparation for Sunday’s FIFA Intercontinental Cup Playoff in Cairo.

The match, played in sweltering conditions, saw every member of the Navy Blues squad get minutes in a high-intensity clash against a side coached by none other than Italian football legend Andrea Pirlo.

Despite arriving in the region just 48 hours earlier, Auckland City FC showed flashes of sharpness and resilience. The only goal of the match came in the 34th minute, when FC United’s Gustavo found the net from close range.

But the result was secondary to the experience, as the Oceania champions focused on acclimatising to the heat, shaking off jet lag, and adjusting to a different tactical tempo.

Post-Match Reflections: Mario Ilich Speaks

Captain Mario Ilich, ever composed and candid, summed up the evening with a mix of realism and optimism:

“It’s very, very hot. Very different to the New Zealand winter, that’s for sure,” Ilich said, sweat still glistening from the desert heat.

“But the boys are adapting well. It was a good head out tonight, you know. That’s what we wanted, a good sweat up and good preparation for Sunday.”

“We’re used to being on the front foot back home. Coming up against these big teams is what it’s all about. We love playing in big games and big occasions.”

With every player getting a run, Ilich emphasised the importance of squad unity and readiness:

“It’s a team effort, eh? Really happy everyone got minutes under the legs. FC United are a good side, and obviously Andrea Pirlo is one of the greats. Pretty cool to play against a team led by someone like him.”

Cairo Calling: The Real Test Awaits

Next up, Auckland City FC face African champions Pyramids FC in a sudden-death playoff at Cairo’s iconic 30 June Stadium.

The match, set for Sunday, September 14 at 9pm local time, marks the opening clash of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025.

Pyramids FC, fresh off their CAF Champions League triumph, represent a formidable challenge.

But Auckland City FC arrive with hunger, experience, and a point to prove, especially after last year’s 6–2 defeat to Al Ain.

The prize? A ticket to the second round and a showdown with Asia’s top club, Al Ahli.

Match Result
International Friendly
Wednesday, 10 September 2025
Sport City, Dubai, UAE
FC United: 1 (Gustavo 34’)
Auckland City FC: 0
HT: 1-0

AC: 24. Nathan GARROW (GK), 2. Mario ILICH (c), 3. Adam MITCHELL, 4. Christian GRAY, 5. Nikko BOXALL, 7. Myer BEVAN, 8. Gerard GARRIGA, 10. Dylan MANICKUM, 12. Jeremy FOO, 13. Nathan LOBO, 14. Jordan VALE, 15. Jackson MANUEL, 16. Paris DOMFEH, 17. Jerson LAGOS, 19. Dylan CONNOLLY, 20. Matthew ELLIS, 21. Adam BELL, 22. Tong ZHOU, 25. Michael DEN HEIJER, 26. David YOO, 27. Haris ZEB.

HEAD COACH: PAUL POSA

ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH

ASSISTANT COACH: Adria CASALS

GK COACH: Jonas HOFFMANN

PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE

PHYSIO: Zara ELLIS

TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON

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