24 Nov 2014

Sport: Auckland City claim inaugural OFC President's Cup title

1:15 pm on 24 November 2014

Auckland City have won the inaugural OFC President's Cup football tournament, coming from behind to beat Vanuatu's Amicale FC 2-1 in Sunday's final.

Francois Sakama had put the visitors in front in the 41st minute with Auckland replying shortly after the hour mark, as Argentinian Emiliano Tade picked his spot from the edge of the box.

Almost 15 minutes later City hit the lead as Ryan de Vries played a one-two with Tim Payne before chipping over Amicale keeper Chikau Mansale.

Amicale's hopes of an equaliser faded as Osea Vakatalesau picked up his second yellow card with minutes remaining.

Auckland City boss Ramon Tribulietx praised his players' perseverance ahead of next month's FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco.

Bahrain's Busaiteen claimed third place with a 3-0 victory over the Singapore U-23 team, while Bodden Town from the Cayman Islands secured their first win of the competition, a 3-0 victory at the expense of the Fiji U-20s.

Fiji coach Ravinesh Kumar says the tournament was a learning experience for his players ahead of next year's Under 20 World Cup.