PENROSE, New Zealand (Interstat) — Substitute Ali Auglah scored in the 19th minute to give the Cen Coast Mariners a 1-0 victory over Auckland FC in an A-League match Saturday at Go Media Stadium.

The goal, assisted by Hiroki Sakai, defied pregame projections that heavily favored the home side. Auglah’s finish proved decisive in a physical contest that featured eight yellow cards.

The result opens the A-League season with the Mariners at 1-0-0, while Auckland FC begins 0-1-0. The Mariners’ defense held firm after the early strike, securing an away win despite Interstat models giving Auckland FC a 70.6% chance to win.