Auckland FC’s first taste of Intercontinental football saw them narrowly lose 1-0.
In front of a baying, partisan crowd of 45,000, Auckland FC took the field far from home in a stadium aptly described as a caldron, both for its atmosphere and the stifling heat it contained.
On and off the field, a new team has emerged since Auckland’s last competitive game back when they lifted the championship in May. New coach Pedro Moreira’s starting XI saw six changes from that side; new recruits Lachie Bayliss and Aaron Calver slotted in upfront and at centre back respectively.
Another player promoted to the team, and one of the players most responsible for the Black Knights making it to Jeddah, was Daniel Normann, the Norwegian taking up a position in the heart of midfield. De Vries and Rogerson started and were the other changes.
Despite the conditions, this wasn’t the cagey game most expected. Al Ahil had most of the ball, but Auckland proudly held their own, going toe-to-toe with the Asian Champions and forcing Mendy into several fine saves, including one acrobatic effort to prevent a Rogerson header.
At the other end, ‘keeper Michael Woud was equally impressive. The All White was commanding in his area, standing tall and then getting down into his corner when needed to make a crucial save just before half-time.
After three minutes of stoppage time, the ref blew the half and the side walked off for a much-needed break, proud of the effort they had put in but eager for a break from the noise and the heat.
Just a minute after the restart, Auckland were forced into their first change with Callan Elliot on to replace the injured Hiroki Saki, believed to be suffering the effects of the heat.
After 63 minutes, Al-Ahli scored. The fresh legs of substitute Al-Shamat opened the scoring after his side broke at pace down the left.
Despite conceding, Auckland continued to look for a goal and did well to nullify the threat of England striker Ivan Toney.
A double substitution saw Van Fitzharris and Cam Howieson introduced. Moments later, Sam Cosgrove received a straight red card, adjudged to have made contact with his opponent rather than the ball.
They pretty much wrapped the game up, and not long after, the game was up.
This side contains few players who have ever played in front of a crowd this one-sided, or perhaps this big, and despite the defeat it will remain an occasion that will live long in the memory. Auckland FC, on the world stage, far from home, packing out stadiums and holding our own.
Player of the Match: Michael Woud
Attendance: 45,000
Tickets for all A-League games go on sale Tuesday, September 1.
