Auckland City's long reign as Oceania Football Champions is over after they were beaten by Team Wellington in the semi-finals.
Wellington players Jack-Henry Sinclair and Eric Molloy celebrate at the final whistle. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The two sides drew 2-all in today's second leg in Auckland and after the first leg ended in a nil-all draw, Team Wellington progressed to the final on away goals.
Auckland City had won the last seven titles.
Eric Molloy opened the scoring for the visitors and Angus Kilkolly doubled their lead with a penalty just before half time.
Emilano Tade and an own goal got Auckland back into the game late, but they weren't able to find a winner.
"The biggest emotion is pride for the players and the team. It's always going to be difficult coming here and I thought we were exceptional in the first half. We thoroughly deserved our two goals and could've had three or four," said Wellington coach Jose Figueira.
"There is always going to be moments at Kiwitea where you have to dig in and a few things went against us with the momentum shifting, but the boys showed massive personality to see it through."
Figueira said he warned his side to expect a backlash in the second half from the nine-time Oceania champions but commended his side for being able to dig deep and secure a hard-fought result.
"The final message I left them with at half-time was there was a reason Auckland have been champions so many times. It's all over their clubroom walls and we knew they weren't going to lie down. But from our perspective it's great to see us not only play with the ball but also being able to roll the sleeves up and battle through."
Wellington will play Lautoka of Fiji in the final.
-RNZ
