Head coach Paul Posa says he’s proud his Auckland City side gave a good account of themselves in their FIFA Intercontinental Cup match against African club champions Pyramids.
After the 3-0 loss in Cairo, Posa said his team’s game plan was to frustrate the Egyptians and stay in the contest for as long as possible.
Until Pyramids scored their second goal in the 74th minute, the New Zealand national champions were hanging on.
“But once they got the second goal, the game was their’s,” Posa said in his post-match interview.
“We ran out of steam.”
Posa said Pyramids were “deserved winners”.
“They’re a quality side. I’m very impressed by Pyramids.”
Despite having only 25% of ball possession, Auckland City kept working and never gave up.
“I think they showed good character,” Posa said.
Mario Ilich … focus will switch to New Zealand’s National League.
Auckland City captain Mario Ilich said his players were disappointed to lose the match.
“We were in the game for long periods,” he said.
Pyramids had punished City with balls into the area from out wide.
“Pyramids are a good team. I wish them all the best,” Ilich said.
“We’ll go back to New Zealand and, hopefully, kick on in our National League.”
Auckland City begin their defence of their Men’s National League title in the last weekend of September.
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The FIFA Intercontinental Cup
The competition brings together champion clubs from the six confederations.
After Auckland City’s elimination, the five clubs remaining in the cup are Pyramids (Africa), Al Ahli (Asia), Mexico’s Cruz Azul (CONCACAF), Paris Saint-Germain (Europe) and the club that wins South America’s Copa Libertadores in November.
This is the second staging of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, which is an annual competition.
Last year, Auckland City were knocked out in the first round, losing 6-2 to the United Arab Emirates club Al Ain.
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First-round opponents Pyramids were founded in 2018 and finished second in the Egyptian Premier League last season.
In April 2025, they won their first African Champions League title, beating South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns with a 3-2 aggregate score.
Result
Game played on Monday September 15, 2025 (NZT)
FIFA Intercontinental Cup
Round 1 (African/Asian/Pacific Cup play-off)
Pyramids FC 3 (Walid El Karti 14′, Marwan Hamdi 74′, Mostafa Ziko 85′)
Auckland City 0
This story was first published on September 15, 2025.