The 34-year-old will undergo surgery and the expected recovery time is eight to 12 months. 

But a defiant Ifill has refuted speculation his playing days are over. 

"Football has been my life and I want to continue playing at whatever level I can," Ifill said. "Whether it is in the park with my mates, in the ASB Championship or the A-League I will be playing. 

"I will do the rehab and then see where we are but no way am I going to call it a day." 

The Barbados international described the moment injury struck, saying he thought he had been contacted by a Sky Blues player. 

"I went to push off then heard a bang and thought someone had trod on my Achilles," he said.

"I thought 'that has to be a foul' and then realised there was no-one around me and the pain was so intense." 

Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick said that while the loss of the English striker would leave a big void in the squad, he would not necessarily be looking for a replacement. 

"I feel as though we've got more depth in the squad now," Merrick said. "I can bring players off the bench and they do a good job. 

"We're all in the same mode, or style of play now and that (win) will be a major boost for them. 

"We've been playing that type of football for a while so they've got their rewards for it and hopefully we'll go on from here." 

Ifill has scored 33 goals in 106 appearances for Wellington after carving out a successful career in England with Millwall, Crystal Palace and Sheffield United.