Throughout the opening round, Waitakere United had been in a two-horse race between themselves and fellow NZFC club Auckland City FC who had won the previous seasons Champions League. An early slip up against New Caledonian club AS Magenta saw the club slip to third in the group,[1] however a strong performance in the return leg saw Waitakere win 4–1 at home[2] and a 5–1 thrashing of Tahiti's AS Manu-Ura[3] saw them draw level once more with Auckland City. The final game of the group drew them against their Auckland rivals away from home. A draw for Waitakere would see them progress to the final on goal difference, and the game finished 2–2, knocking favourites Auckland out of the competition.[4]
Like Waitakere United, Hekari started poorly in their group. A 3–3 draw against Tafea FC and a 2–1 loss at home to Lautoka F.C. saw them languishing at the bottom of the table. However their luck would change, defeating Tafea FC 4–0 in the return leg[5] would see Hekari move back up the table and in contention to qualify for the final. Wins against Lautoka F.C.[6] and a 4–1 thrashing of Solomon Islands team Marist FC[7] would see Hekari progress through to the final, a point above Lautoka.
Waitakere United
27', 73' 
