Auckland City FC secured a record-extending 14th OFC Men’s Champions League title after defeating Solomon Islands side Central Coast FC 2-0 in the final at 4R Govind Park in Ba, Fiji.

After a tightly contested and scoreless first half, Auckland City broke the deadlock in the 69th minute. Midfielder Michael De Heijer’s powerful shot was parried by goalkeeper Erick Wanega, allowing veteran striker Ryan De Vries to pounce on the rebound and tap home.

The New Zealand champions doubled their advantage nine minutes later when substitute Ryan Watson surged down the right flank before delivering a pinpoint pass for Matt Ellis to finish into an open goal.

Central Coast FC, appearing in their first OFC Men’s Champions League final, showed moments of promise through star forward Rafa Lea’i and attacking partners Barrie Limoki and Bobby Leslie, but were unable to find a way past Auckland’s disciplined defence.

Any hopes of a late comeback were extinguished in the 83rd minute when Central Coast’s Prince Tahunipue was sent off following an off-the-ball confrontation.

The victory marks Auckland City’s fifth consecutive OFC Champions League crown and further cements their status as the dominant force in Oceania football, while Central Coast FC can take pride in becoming only the third Solomon Islands club to reach the competition’s final.