Auckland United FC secure back-to-back titles at the OFC Women's Champions League
The New Zealand champions scored the only goal of the game in the 26th minute through midfielder Danielle Canham and withstood plenty of pressure from the Papua New Guinea side in the second half but kept their composure in defence to secure the win.
For Hekari Womens FC it's a bitter pill to swallow, having lost the final last year in Honiara by the same score. Ericsson Komeng's side had suffered a major blow before kick-off with playmaker Ramona Padio ruled out for six weeks with an ankle injury suffered in the semi-final win over Ba Women FC.
Without Padio, Hekari were a distant second best in the opening half as Auckland United FC came out with real intent and dominated the midfield exchanges. They came close to taking the lead in the opening minute when Danielle Canham thundered a shot against the crossbar.
Striker Zoe Benson fired just wide of the left hand upright in the 15th minute after finding herself clear inside the box as the New Zealanders quickly found their rhythm.
Up front for Hekari Marie Kaipu found herself largely isolated on attack and unable to test Hannah Mitchell in the Auckland United goal.
Auckland United FC deservedly took the lead in the 26th minute when a corner the ball was played out to Yume Harashima who drove the ball into the box. Chloe Knott back heeled the ball into Canham who got a touch, and the ball somehow squeezed past Gloria Laeli in the Hekari Womens FC goal.
The Kiwis should have doubled their lead in the 42nd minute when Laeli spilled the ball and Knott fired over the bar when she could have placed the ball into the back of the net.
Auckland United FC started the second half on the front foot with captain Talisha Green heading straight at Laeli five minutes in.
Komeng made a couple of changes to his side, and it brought more urgency into Hekari's play as the match wore on. Their best chance to equalise came in the 64th minute when Kaipu threaded a ball through on goal to Nenny Elipas, but the advancing Mitchell made a strong save to deny the Hekari forward an equaliser.
Hekari continued to surge forward but the final pass often went astray, and promising positions ultimately led to nothing.
Auckland United controlled the last 15 minutes and ran down the clock effectively to secure a deserved victory. Ben Bate's side will compete in the inaugural FIFA Women's Champions Cup next year in a playoff against the AFC champions with the winner of that match visiting the CAF champions in round two.
The New Zealanders are also well placed to be the Oceania representative at the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup to be played in 2028.
Hekari Women FC 0
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
6 hours ago
- Scoop
Auckland City FC Receive Diplomatic Welcome
Press Release – Auckland City FC Washington, D.C.,USA, 8 June 2025 — Auckland City FC's football adventure received a diplomatic boost, as the only amateur team at the FIFA Club World Cup USA 2025 was officially welcomed to the United States by the New Zealand Embassy in Washington, D.C. The visit formed part of the team's wider tour of the U.S., with the club currently preparing for their next international friendly against UAE champions Al Ain FC on Monday. Players and staff were greeted by members of the members of the NZ Embassy in the US, who offered warm hospitality and words of encouragement ahead of Auckland City's historic Club World Cup appearance later this month. Club President Ivan Vuksich, General Manager Gordon Watson, and Interim Head Coach Ivan Vicelich were in attendance, along with the full playing squad and support team. The visit provided an opportunity to reflect on Auckland City FC's role as a global representative of New Zealand — not just on the pitch, but as cultural ambassadors off it. The team presented Embassy officials with an official FIFA Club World Cup pennant, a manaia, and a koru — symbols of protection, leadership, and unity — values the club carries into every international engagement. Speaking at the Embassy, Vuksich said the moment was 'a privilege for the club and a reminder of the deep connection between the people of New Zealand and their love of sport.' 'We are proud to fly the flag for New Zealand football on the world stage, and it means a great deal to receive this welcome from the New Zealand Embassy here in Washington,' he said. Auckland City FC now continue preparations for their next fixture, their relocation to Team Base Camp Chattanooga in Tennessee, and the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, where they will face global heavyweights Benfica, Boca Juniors, and Bayern Munich in Group C.
Otago Daily Times
10 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
NZ Rugby chief executive resigns
Mark Robinson. New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson has resigned and will leave the organisation at the end of the year. Robinson took the role in January 2020, having previously spent seven years on the NZR board. He was leaving to relocate to Australia early next year, where his family has been based in recent months, and where all three of his children are studying. A nine-test All Black, Robinson said it had been "privilege" to lead NZR and believed its foundations were strong and well-placed for the future. However, the 51-year-old acknowledged his tenure had its challenging times, which has brought with it significant scrutiny. "That reflects the immense passion that so many Kiwis feel for our sport and the special place rugby has in our country," Robinson said in a release this morning. "The fact people can come up to me, share their views and talk with incredible knowledge and depth of feeling is something we never want to take for granted. "My focus now is on supporting the board and leading the organisation through a pivotal year, including ensuring the Black Ferns have the support they need to defend the Rugby World Cup in England. We also remain focused on implementing a new financial model for the game in New Zealand and completing the remaining work on what will be an exciting future international calendar." NZR chairman David Kirk acknowledged Robinson's contribution to the organisation over his six years in the role. "Mark has driven significant change, both in New Zealand and internationally, and the Board believes the organisation is well-placed to capitalise on this," Kirk said. "Of note was his leadership through a global pandemic that saw the game deal with an unprecedented crisis. "We also understand Mark's desire to relocate to Australia where his family are now all living. He will go with our best wishes when he moves there at the end of this year. Mark will continue to lead for the remainder of the year as we conclude key projects, and the Board will now commence recruitment for the new role." - APL
Otago Daily Times
11 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Robinson resigns from NZ Rugby
Mark Robinson. New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson has resigned and will leave the organisation at the end of the year. Robinson took the role in January 2020, having previously spent seven years on the NZR board. He was leaving to relocate to Australia early next year, where his family has been based in recent months, and where all three of his children are studying. A nine-test All Black, Robinson said it had been "privilege" to lead NZR and believed its foundations were strong and well-placed for the future. However, the 51-year-old acknowledged his tenure had its challenging times, which has brought with it significant scrutiny. "That reflects the immense passion that so many Kiwis feel for our sport and the special place rugby has in our country," Robinson said in a release this morning. "The fact people can come up to me, share their views and talk with incredible knowledge and depth of feeling is something we never want to take for granted. "My focus now is on supporting the board and leading the organisation through a pivotal year, including ensuring the Black Ferns have the support they need to defend the Rugby World Cup in England. We also remain focused on implementing a new financial model for the game in New Zealand and completing the remaining work on what will be an exciting future international calendar." NZR chairman David Kirk acknowledged Robinson's contribution to the organisation over his six years in the role. "Mark has driven significant change, both in New Zealand and internationally, and the Board believes the organisation is well-placed to capitalise on this," Kirk said. "Of note was his leadership through a global pandemic that saw the game deal with an unprecedented crisis. "We also understand Mark's desire to relocate to Australia where his family are now all living. He will go with our best wishes when he moves there at the end of this year. Mark will continue to lead for the remainder of the year as we conclude key projects, and the Board will now commence recruitment for the new role." - APL
