Auckland United hit 11 as Ba and Tafea throw OFC Women’s Champs League wide open

One round into the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Women's Champions League and the pressure is already on.

Defending champions Auckland United have laid down an early marker with an 11-1 win, Fiji's Ba Women have climbed to the top of Group A after a record victory, and Papua New Guinea heavyweights Hekari Women now face a must-win clash on Wednesday after being held to a draw.

The opening results last weekend in the Solomon Islands capital Honiara have quickly changed the shape of the tournament and left little room for error as teams chase places in the knockout rounds.

Auckland United were in ruthless form against New Caledonia debutants Drehu Athletico Club, scoring 11 goals from across the squad to begin their bid for a third straight regional title.

The breakthrough came after 12 minutes when a corner forced an own goal before the defending champions piled on the pressure.

Grace Bartlett, Sasha Adamson, Rena Okutsu and Olivia Ingham were among the scorers as Auckland finished with a commanding goal difference that could prove crucial later in the tournament.

Ba Women celebrate their record 6-0 victory over hosts Henderson Eels, a result that puts the Fijian champions on top of Group A ahead of a crucial clash with Hekari Women on Wednesday. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

Despite the heavy defeat, Drehu celebrated a memorable milestone when Kane Dralu scored the club's first-ever goal in the OFC Women's Champions League.

Group A produced the biggest surprise of the opening round.

Ba Women recorded the largest win in the club's history at the tournament to beat hosts Henderson Eels 6-0 and move to the top of the standings.

Photo/OFC Media

Ba captain Luisa Tamanitoakula was on target from the penalty spot after Henderson conceded a first-half penalty while Koleta Likuculacula scored twice as the Fijians took full advantage after the hosts were reduced to 10 players before halftime following Veronica Tolivaka's red card.

The result leaves Henderson with work to do before Wednesday's meeting with Vanuatu champions Tafea.

The most closely fought match of the opening round came between Hekari Women and Tafea, who shared the points in a 2-2 draw.

Tafea stunned the three-time runners-up with an early goal from Liyo Eramol before Hekari responded through Seruwaia Laulaba and Phylis Pala to lead at the break.

But Tafea had the final say when substitute Augustine Mansale struck from long range in the 76th minute to earn her side a valuable point.

The draw means Wednesday's clash between Hekari and Ba has quickly become one of the biggest matches of the group stage.

Another slip-up for the PNG champions could leave their hopes of reaching the semi-finals hanging by a thread.

Elsewhere, Auckland United will look to build on their impressive start against Cook Islands debutants Puaikura FC while Henderson Eels must regroup without suspended defender Veronica Tolivaka as they try to keep their campaign alive against an organised Tafea side.

For more OFC women's champions league action, click here. The tournament, which started on 27 June, ends on 10 July.