Football: The Cook Islands make history as Pacific trio charge into OFC semi-finals

The race for the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Women’s Champions League title is now down to four teams and three of them are from the Pacific.

Cook Islands champions Puaikura FC have made history by reaching the semifinals for the first time.

They are joined by Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) Hekari Women FC and Vanuatu’s Tafea FC in a strong Pacific showing at the tournament in the Solomon Islands.

The trio secured their places after a dramatic final day of group matches to set up two blockbuster semifinals on Tuesday.

The achievement marks another milestone for Puaikura FC who continue to exceed expectations on the regional stage.

Thirteen-year-old Puaikura’s player Primrose Savage said reaching the last four was an experience she would never forget.

“I feel great. It's a great experience to be with these girls, and I'm very happy to get this opportunity,” Savage told OFC Media.

PNG’s Hekari Women FC head into the knockout stage full of confidence after producing the biggest win of the tournament so far. They thrashed hosts Henderson Eels FC 9-1 to finish top of Group A.

Knowing they needed a six-goal victory to claim first place, Hekari wasted no time. Hortance Kimit and Phylis Pala scored inside the opening three minutes before the PNG champions powered to a commanding 6-0 lead by half-time.

Action from the Puaikura FC v Drehu Athletico Club clash. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

Hekari head coach Ericson Komeng said their performance was exactly what his side needed before the knockout rounds

“We just needed goals… and the girls came out firing,” Komeng told OFC. “We know we have a talented squad and if we can play as a team and be clinical… I think we're on a good track. Looking forward for the semi-final.”

Vanuatu’s Tafea FC also booked their place in the last four but they had to fight much harder.

Trailing Fiji’s Ba Women FC at halftime, Tafea responded with a dominant second-half display to win a thrilling contest 5-3.

Nettie Kalsau levelled the scores before Limas Erikan powered home a header from a Jane Alatoa corner to put the ni-Vanuatu side back in front and complete the comeback.

The results mean Hekari FC will meet Puaikura FC in the first semi-final, kicking off at 4pm (NZT), before Tafea Women FC face defending champions Auckland FC in the second semi-final at 7pm.

With three Pacific clubs still chasing Oceania's biggest women's club prize, Tuesday's semi-finals promise to be one of the strongest showcases yet of the growing depth of female football across the region.

For more information on the 2026 OFC Women’s Champions League, click here.