Auckland deny Hekari again to seal third straight OFC Women's Champions crown

Auckland United have completed a historic hat-trick of Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Women's Champions League titles after beating Papua New Guinea's (PNG) Hekari Women FC 3-1 in the final in Honiara on Friday.

It was the third straight year the two sides had met in the decider but once again the New Zealand champions proved too strong, extending their unbeaten run against Hekari on the biggest stage in Oceania women's club football.

Hekari were chasing the first continental title in the club's history and it was another painful near miss despite a spirited fightback in front of a passionate home-region crowd in the Solomon Islands.

Auckland wasted little time taking control of the final, going ahead inside four minutes. A short-corner routine caught the Hekari defence out before Piper O'Neill delivered a cross to the far post, where Alaina Granger headed home from close range.

The defending champions continued to create chances with goalkeeper Betty Sam keeping Hekari in the contest through a series of important saves.

Hekari responded midway through the first half when Adi Litia Bakaniceva created space down the left and sent a dangerous cross into the area. The ball ran through to Nenny Elipas, who fired high into the net to level the scores.

The Papua New Guinea side looked set to reach the break on even terms but Auckland struck again just before half-time. Sasha Adamson curled a superb shot into the far corner to restore her side's lead.

Hekari made changes after the break as coach Ericson Komeng searched for a way back into the match, but Auckland remained in control.

Sam was again called into action to deny Rena Okutsu and later tipped Yume Harashima's effort onto the crossbar as the New Zealand side pushed for a decisive third goal.

Hekari Women FC's players celebrate after Nenny Elipas levelled the scores during the first half of the OFC Women's Champions League final against Auckland United in Honiara. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

With Hekari forced to chase the game, Auckland's defence stayed organised and limited the Papua New Guinea champions to few clear opportunities.

The result was finally put beyond doubt in the closing minutes when substitute Kara McGillivray's cross slipped through Sam's hands and Aniela Jensen reacted quickest to fire home from close range and make it 3-1.

The victory secures Auckland United a third consecutive OFC Women's Champions League title and confirms their place at next year's FIFA Women's Champions Cup where they will meet North Korean club Naegohyang Women's FC.

Hekari's wait for a first continental crown goes on but another appearance in the final underlines the strength of Papua New Guinea women's football on the regional stage.