Auckland FC’s FIFA Intercontinental Cup campaign is over after just one game, with the Black Knights beaten 1-0 by AFC Champions League Elite winners Al-Ahli FC in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Competing in the first round of the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup Playoff, the Black Knights battled hard in the heat against the current kings of Asian in what was new head coach Pedro Moreira’s first official game in charge.
The reigning Isuzu UTE A-League Champions were playing in their first competitive game since winning the Championship back in May but still gave a good account of themselves, with former Chelsea goalkeeper and Senegalese international Edouard Mendy tipping Logan Rogerson’s header over the bar.
TRANSFER CENTRE: Isuzu UTE A-League 2026-27 Transfer Centre: Your club’s moves
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL 2026/27 ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE FIXTURE LIST
However, as the game unfolded Moreira’s side found themselves on the back foot with the Saudi Arabian team controlling possession and testing Auckland keeper Michael Woud on numerous occasions without finding the breakthrough.
The only goal of the game eventually came in the 63rd minute though, as substitute Saleh Abu Al Shamat latched onto a clever pass inside the box before prodding the ball under the body of Woud and into the back of the net.
AUCKLAND STARTING LINE UP
Woud; Sakai, Calver, Pijnaker, De Vries; Brook Normann, Gallegos, Rogerson; Cosgrove, Bayliss
Things got worse for the Black Knights late on in the contest when last season’s Golden Boot winner Sam Cosgrove was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Valentin Edoa.
The English forward attempted to toe the ball away from his opponent but caught the midfielder above the ankle and was given his marching orders, with both the striker and club waiting to see just how long his potential ban will be.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL 2026/27 ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE FIXTURE LIST
The Saudi Arabian side will now face off against African champions Mamelodi Sundowns to determine the winners of the African-Asian-Pacific Cup.
The Black Knights will now head home to Auckland before travelling over to Australia for a series of pre-season matches against A-Leagues opposition.
Following that, Auckland FC will then open their 2026/27 A-Leagues campaign against Melbourne City at home on Saturday, October 17.
IMAGE CREDITS: Al-Ahli & Auckland FC instagram channels
