The inaugural edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup kicks off with a first-round clash between UAE's Al-Ain and New Zealand's Auckland City FC on Saturday, with the hosts entering the tournament as reigning AFC Champions League winners after overcoming formidable opponents like Al Nassr and Al Hilal on their path to victory.
The visitors, representing Oceania, boast a strong pedigree as three-time consecutive OFC Champions League winners, although they enter this match following a disappointing Chatham Cup final loss to Wellington Olympic.
Match preview
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Al Ain, one of the UAE's most prominent football clubs, enter the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup with a strong international pedigree, highlighted by their 2023-24 AFC Champions League triumph, which secured their spot in this tournament, and though they have not won the UAE Pro League since 2021-22, they remain competitive domestically with recent runner-up finishes in both the league and League Cup.
The hosts, drawing inspiration from that historic 2018 Club World Cup run where they defeated Team Wellington, Esperance de Tunis and River Plate en route to the final against Real Madrid, are now poised to replicate that success in the 2024 Intercontinental Cup, beginning with this fixture.
Under the guidance of Argentine football legend Hernan Crespo, Al Zaeem have made a strong start to the 2024-25 season, remaining unbeaten in five matches across all competitions.
While they currently sit sixth in the UAE Pro League after two matches, their attacking strength is clear, having netted 15 goals in those games, largely thanks to star striker Kodjo Fo Doh Laba, who has already scored four times.
Securing a victory over City would see them advance to face African giants Al Ahly, the 2023-24 CAF Champions League winners, with the possibility of progressing to a playoff round and a potential showdown against UEFA Champions League holders Real Madrid.
The hosts' participation in the tournament holds great significance for both the club and Asian football, as they aim to represent the AFC with distinction, drawing on their 2018 Club World Cup legacy while hoping to use home advantage at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium to overcome Auckland City and advance towards potential international glory.
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Auckland City enter the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup as a dominant force in New Zealand football, having secured the OFC Champions League title for the third consecutive year.
While they recently lost the Chatham Cup final to Wellington Olympic on penalties, they remain a formidable team, sitting atop the New Zealand National League with 51 points from 22 games.
City's success extends beyond the National League, as they have dominated the Northern League, an amateur regional competition that feeds into the National League, winning the title for the past four years and demonstrating their consistency across all levels of domestic competition, while also building a reputation for punching above their weight in international tournaments.
Under the management of Albert Riera since December 2021, Auckland City have maintained a high standard of play, with the manager guiding them through domestic and continental campaigns even though their recent Chatham Cup final loss on penalties was a disappointment despite Stipe Ukich's late equaliser.
Riera's men come into this match with an impressive record against international opponents as shown in the OFC Champions League, having gone unbeaten in their last 22 games since March 2020, which includes 19 wins and three draws. Notably, they have managed to maintain this streak despite facing tough away fixtures, with 10 of those matches played on the road.
Facing Al Ain will be a tough test for Auckland City, especially with the Emirati side enjoying home advantage and strong form, yet City's solid defensive record and capacity to perform under pressure could pose problems for their opponents.
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Team News
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Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba, Al Ain's star striker and top scorer from last season, is poised to be a key factor in their opening match of this competition, having already netted four goals in just two league matches this season.
Mateo Sanabria, who recently returned from injury, is eager to make his mark in the upcoming match against Auckland City. Although he has not started in the last two games, his recovery is a positive development for the team.
Stipe Ukich, the 17-year-old forward for Auckland City FC, is emerging as a key player in the team's attacking lineup, having scored in each of his last five matches.
Auckland will benefit from a clean bill of health as they approach their match against Al Ain, with no apparent injuries affecting their squad.
This full-strength line-up enhances their chances of success in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, allowing manager Albert Riera to field his strongest team.
Al-Ain possible starting lineup:
Eisa; Al Ahbabi, Cardoso, Kouadio, Zaabi; Nader, Park; Kaku, Palacios, Rahimi, Laba
Auckland City possible starting lineup:
Tracey; Murati, Vale, Aizu, Gray, Lobo; Garriga, Ilich, Tayeb, Manickum; Ukich
We say: Al-Ain 3-1 Auckland City
Al Ain are in excellent form, unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions, and with their star striker Kodjo Laba available and playing in front of their home fans. Al Zaeem should win this easily.
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