18 Nov 2015

Sport: Vanuatu's Amicale FC ready to contend for O-League title

12:37 pm on 18 November 2015

Vanuatu's Amicale FC believe they have what it takes to break Auckland City's five-year reign as Oceania club champions.

The teams will resume their rivalry in April after being drawn in the same Oceania Champions League pool for the third year running.

Auckland won 3-0 when the teams clashed earlier this year and also prevailed in the 2011 and 2014 O-League finals.

Sanni Issa playing for Amicale FC against Auckland City during the 2014 Oceania Champions League final. Issa joined Auckland in the off-season.

Amicale FC and Auckland City during the 2014 Oceania Champions League final. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

But Amicale's Technical Director Anthony Pisano believes the Vanuatu champions can contend for the title.

"We certainly do - I mean we wouldn't be in the competition if we didn't think we were in with a chance. We're confident with the players that we've got and the preparation that we have coming up. Again, it's going to be a challenge trying to beat Auckland - obviously they're champions of Oceania and did well in the World Club Championship last year - but we're confident that we're in with a good chance".

The 2016 Oceania Champions League is being held in New Zealand for the first time under its current format, with the preliminary stage set for the Cook Islands in January.