The match at Auckland’s Kiwitea Street ground is the second leg of the 2011 O-League final and the home side holds a narrow advantage after triumphing 2-1 over Amicale in the first leg at Port Vila on April 2.
A first-half penalty from Spanish striker Manel Exposito and a late goal from substitute Luis Corrales were enough to see off a spirited showing from Amicale, for whom 2011 O-League top scorer Fenedy Masauvakalo was again on target, in front of nearly 8,000 fanatical fans.
Amicale will make history if they can overturn the deficit in the second leg and qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup, to be held in Japan during December. They have already written a new chapter in the record books of Vanuatu football by becoming the first club from the country to reach an O-League final since the competition was launched in 2007 and are looking to follow in the footsteps of Papua New Guinea side Hekari United.
Hekari became the first Pacific Island team from outside New Zealand or Australia to make the FIFA Club World Cup last year when they defeated New Zealand rivals Waitakere United 4-2 on aggregate in the 2010 O-League final.
This is much more familiar territory however for Auckland City, who have been Oceania champions twice before – in 2006 and 2009. They performed heroically in their second appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup to post a fifth-place finish, Oceania’s best ever showing at the prestigious tournament.
There is plenty at stake for both sides in performing well this Sunday and earning the O-League title. Qualification for the FIFA Club World Cup brings with it a US$500,000 pay cheque.
2011 O-League Final 2nd Leg Match Details
Auckland City [NZL] vs. Amicale [VAN]
Sunday 17 April
Auckland, New Zealand
Kiwitea Street
Local kick-off: 2pm
Source: OFC MEDIA
FIFA Club World Cup spot up for grabs
