Dominance on display: PNG, Fiji and NZ make impressive start to OFC Champions League

Papua New Guinea champions, Hekari, and Fiji’s Ba side have made an impressive start to their Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Women’s Champions League campaign in Tahiti this week.

OFC reports that Hekari dominated PanSa from American Sāmoa 12-0, while Ba secured a 2-0 victory over Henderson Eels from the Solomon Islands on the second day of competition.

Despite the loss, the Eels have qualified for the semi-finals after a 5-0 victory over Tupapa Mararenga from the Cook Islands last weekend.

But the standout performance of the week was by the Papua New Guineans against the American Sāmoans in Papeete on Thursday.

The Port Moresby powerhouse Hekari side have stated that they want to improve their consecutive runner-up finishes in the competition, and they certainly made their ambitions clear during their match against the tournament debutants from Pago Pago.

Watching a replay of the match, Hekari scored seven goals in the first half, starting strong despite missing some early chances to extend their lead.

But it didn’t take long for Hekari, coached by Ericsson Komeng, to find their rhythm.

Romona Padio, who missed last year’s tournament in the Solomon Islands, opened the scoring with a powerful finish in the fourth minute.

Hekari created several opportunities before striker and captain Marie Kaipu found the net in the 16th minute, quickly adding another goal two minutes later.

Calista Maneo headed in the fourth goal in the 21st minute, and Kaipu completed her hat-trick with goals in the 25th and 27th minutes.

PanSa started the match with a man-to-man marking strategy, but Coach Diane Justus switched to a more defensive formation midway through the half, which helped reduce the number of goals conceded.

Hekari remained frustrated for the rest of the half, unable to penetrate the defence further until Michaelyne Butubu scored a long-range effort that squeezed past PanSa goalkeeping standout Rayxena Foma’i.

Foma’i, to her credit, made numerous excellent saves throughout the match, preventing Hekari from increasing their lead.

Komeng made several substitutions at halftime to give other squad members some game time, preparing for what will be a tough second match in Group B against defending champions Auckland United on Friday (NZ time).

PNG's Hekari United keep the pressure on the PanSa goal. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

After 15 minutes into the second half, Hekari added to their tally with a well-placed finish from Adi Litia Bakaniceva, who managed to slide the ball under the advancing Foma’i.

Substitute Nenny Elipas then scored what many considered the best goal of the game in the 63rd minute with a brilliant right-footed strike. Three minutes later, Padio capitalised on a mistake from Foma’i to score her second goal of the match.

Padio completed her hat-trick in the 75th minute as Hekari showcased their ability to adjust their play when needed.

Kaipu added her fifth goal deep into stoppage time, finishing with a powerful shot that found the back of the net.

Ba FC vs Henderson Eels

In the match between Ba from Fiji and Henderson Eels from the Solomons, two goals within three minutes in the second half helped Ba FC secure a 2-0 victory and start their campaign on a high note.

The Fijian side struggled in the opening stages, but came alive after the break with clinical finishes from Koleta Likuculacula and Asenaca Naio in the 65th and 68th minutes, respectively.

The Eels dominated the midfield for much of the game and appeared more likely to score. Lorina Solosaia had a great chance to give them the lead in the 54th minute, but Ba goalkeeper Mereseini Waqali forced her to shoot wide. Waqali had several crucial saves in the first half to keep the game level.

After 12 minutes, Eels' Ileen Pegi dribbled her way into the box but hit her shot straight at Waqali. A minute later, Pegi set up Veronica Tolivaka for a shot, but Waqali made another impressive save.

Ba FC from Fiji attack the Henderson Eels goalmouth. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

Ba seemed to gain momentum as they worked the ball down the right, with Koleta Likuculacula laying it off for Evivi Buka, whose long-range shot went just wide of the post.

Waqali produced an excellent save from a free kick in the 29th minute, tipping the ball over the crossbar to keep the match scoreless at halftime.

Despite the defeat, the Henderson Eels have confirmed their place in the semi-finals due to their earlier 5-0 win over Tupapa Maraerenga.

To qualify, Tupapa must win against Ba by four goals on Sunday (New Zealand time), which would deny the Fijians a spot in the semi-finals.

Auckland vs AS Pirae

Meanwhile, defending champions Auckland United have sent a strong statement following their dominant 11-0 victory over hosts AS Pirae.

Winger Zoe Benson led the charge with an impressive five-goal performance, setting the tone for a challenging day on the pitch for the Tahitians.

Auckland demonstrated their strength with a high-pressing attack, and despite playing against the sun in the first half, the Kiwis relentlessly pressured their opponents on defence.

Midfielders Yume Harashima and Danielle Canham were pivotal in creating opportunities, contributing significantly to Benson's scoring spree, which included a brilliant strike from outside the box late in the first half.

AS Pirae’s Ninauea Hioe and Auckland United's Yume Harashima tussle for possession. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

Although AS Pirae had some spirited plays led by Omega Chalons and Kohai Mai, they struggled to generate clear-cut goal-scoring chances against Auckland United.

In the second half, the home side showed more resilience on defence, managing to hold United off for much of the period. But they could not stop Tupelo Dugan from adding the ninth goal, effectively sealing the win for the New Zealanders.

AS the match progressed, AS Pirae enjoyed longer stretches of possession but failed to truly threaten Auckland United, who reinforced their status as tournament favourites.

Watch OFC media officer and former PMN multimedia/sports journalist Matt Manukuo's full interview on Island Time below.

In the final moments of the match, Auckland United added two more goals. Substitute Charlotte Roche pressured goalkeeper Delphine Soret, deflecting the ball into the net, and Dugan capped off her performance with her second goal just seconds before the final whistle.

Looking ahead to games this weekend: Sunday - Auckland United vs PanSa. Hekari vs AS Pirae.

The top four teams will compete in the semifinals on 14 May, with the final scheduled for 17 May.