Latest news with #BaWomenFC
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Hekari Womens FC Advance To The OFC Women's Champions League Final
Press Release – Oceania Football Confederation Level at 1-1 going into the break, Hekari came out strong in the second half. Talismanic striker Marie Kaipu was played through on goal and beating the advancing Mereseni Waqali at the near post to restore her sides lead. Hekari Womens FC are through to their second straight OFC Women's Champions League final after a 6-1 win over Ba Women FC in the first semi-final at Stade Pater in Papeete. The Papua New Guinea side turned in their best performance of the tournament in a dominant display and had they been more ruthless in front of goal in the first half, would have won more emphatically. Ericsson Komeng's side dominated possession from the outset, were fluent in their buildup play but lacked quality in front of goal in the first spell before turning in a clinical second half performance. Level at 1-1 going into the break, Hekari came out strong in the second half. Talismanic striker Marie Kaipu was played through on goal and beating the advancing Mereseni Waqali at the near post to restore her side's lead. Just two minutes later, Kaipu broke through again—this time squaring the ball to an unmarked Nenny Elipas, who tapped it home for her second goal of the match. Four minutes later Kaipu had another assist, setting up Elipas again who made no mistake for her hat-trick. Kaipu scored her second of the game in the 69th minute, her seventh of the competition, a header after the ball had rebounded off the crossbar. Phylis Pala rounded out the scoring from the penalty spot five minutes from fulltime. The match had started with Hekari scoring in the 5th minute following a mistake by Ba goalkeeper Mereseni Waqali which allowed Elipas to pounce and slot the ball home into an empty net. Michaelyne Butubu then had a chance to double the lead in the 11th minute, but her attempt was blocked by the Ba defence. Romona Padio then missed an opportunity in the 15th minute when she lost control of the ball inside the box with the Ba Women FC defence at sixes and sevens. Hekari paid for their ineptitude in front of goal as Ba with their first foray deep into their opponents half won a penalty after a mistake by Gloria Laeli in the Hekari Womens FC goal. Captain Luisa Tamanitoakula made no mistake from the spot. Waqali then made up for her early mistake with two brilliant saves to deny Kaipu and Butubu on the stroke of half-time. BA Women FC 1 (Luisa TAMANITOAKULA 44'pen)
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
OFC Women's Champions League 2025 Semi-Finals Preview: Coaches Share Thoughts
Press Release – Oceania Football Confederation The stage is set for two thrilling semi-final showdowns at the OFC Women's Champions League in Tahiti tomorrow. Holders Auckland United FC take on Henderson Eels FC after Ba Women FC and Hekari Womens FC meet in the first semi-final at Stade Pater in Papeete. Defending champions Auckland United FC head into their match with momentum from a strong group stage, but coach Ben Bate acknowledges there's still room for improvement. 'Our game against Hekari was a bit of a challenge,' Bate reflected. 'The energy and intensity they brought in the first half caught us off-guard. We made a few changes at halftime, and I think we really took control in the second period,' Bate added. With the Solomon Islands-based side known for its pace and spearheaded by the dangerous Ileen Pegi, Bate is approaching the match with caution and respect. 'We spent time in the Solomon Islands last year during the OFC Womens Champions League and got to know the Eels quite well. They're dangerous, especially with their quick transitions and pace up front — their front four are really bright and sharp,' Bate said. For Henderson Eels, their semi-final appearance marks a historic achievement, and head coach Priscilla Tariga is keeping the mood in camp calm and focused. 'It's history for us to reach the semi-finals,' Tariga said. 'Everyone is relaxed — there's no pressure. I've told the girls, 'We can do this.'' Facing the reigning champions is no easy task, but Tariga is determined her side will stick to their plan and give everything on the field. 'Auckland are the best team, as we know, but we will give it 100 percent. We'll keep our structure, manage our game plan, and play our game. Every minute must count.' While Auckland United are a strong favourite to progress to the Championship decider, the other semi-final has a more even look to it. Ba Women FC are making history of their own in their maiden OFC Women's Champions League campaign, and Charlene Lockington is proud of her team's journey as they prepare to face Hekari Women's FC. 'We're new to the competition, but we won't take it lightly,' Lockington stated. 'We respect Hekari — they're a tough side with two Fijians in their ranks — but we are looking forward to the challenge.' 'The girls are excited. We've already made history for our club by reaching the semis. We do have one injury we're managing, but a few fresh players will be brought in. Everyone is ready.' Ericsson Komeng is keeping his Hekari Womens FC squad focused on the task ahead as they prepare to face the determined Fijian outfit. 'The mood in the camp is positive,' Komeng said. 'After the win in the final Group match, the girls are looking forward to playing Ba. They are a strong team with quality players.' While a potential rematch with Auckland United looms in the final, Komeng is adamant the team's full focus remains on their semi-final battle. 'We can't look ahead. We don't go to the grand final unless we beat Ba. That's our only focus right now — to give Ba a good game and hopefully get the win.' Both matches can be watched LIVE and FREE on FIFA+.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
OFC Women's Champions League 2025 Semi-Finals Preview: Coaches Share Thoughts
Press Release – Oceania Football Confederation Defending champions Auckland United FC head into their match with momentum from a strong group stage, but coach Ben Bate acknowledges theres still room for improvement. The stage is set for two thrilling semi-final showdowns at the OFC Women's Champions League in Tahiti tomorrow. Holders Auckland United FC take on Henderson Eels FC after Ba Women FC and Hekari Womens FC meet in the first semi-final at Stade Pater in Papeete. Defending champions Auckland United FC head into their match with momentum from a strong group stage, but coach Ben Bate acknowledges there's still room for improvement. 'Our game against Hekari was a bit of a challenge,' Bate reflected. 'The energy and intensity they brought in the first half caught us off-guard. We made a few changes at halftime, and I think we really took control in the second period,' Bate added. With the Solomon Islands-based side known for its pace and spearheaded by the dangerous Ileen Pegi, Bate is approaching the match with caution and respect. 'We spent time in the Solomon Islands last year during the OFC Womens Champions League and got to know the Eels quite well. They're dangerous, especially with their quick transitions and pace up front — their front four are really bright and sharp,' Bate said. For Henderson Eels, their semi-final appearance marks a historic achievement, and head coach Priscilla Tariga is keeping the mood in camp calm and focused. 'It's history for us to reach the semi-finals,' Tariga said. 'Everyone is relaxed — there's no pressure. I've told the girls, 'We can do this.'' Facing the reigning champions is no easy task, but Tariga is determined her side will stick to their plan and give everything on the field. 'Auckland are the best team, as we know, but we will give it 100 percent. We'll keep our structure, manage our game plan, and play our game. Every minute must count.' While Auckland United are a strong favourite to progress to the Championship decider, the other semi-final has a more even look to it. Ba Women FC are making history of their own in their maiden OFC Women's Champions League campaign, and Charlene Lockington is proud of her team's journey as they prepare to face Hekari Women's FC. 'We're new to the competition, but we won't take it lightly,' Lockington stated. 'We respect Hekari — they're a tough side with two Fijians in their ranks — but we are looking forward to the challenge.' 'The girls are excited. We've already made history for our club by reaching the semis. We do have one injury we're managing, but a few fresh players will be brought in. Everyone is ready.' Ericsson Komeng is keeping his Hekari Womens FC squad focused on the task ahead as they prepare to face the determined Fijian outfit. 'The mood in the camp is positive,' Komeng said. 'After the win in the final Group match, the girls are looking forward to playing Ba. They are a strong team with quality players.' While a potential rematch with Auckland United looms in the final, Komeng is adamant the team's full focus remains on their semi-final battle. 'We can't look ahead. We don't go to the grand final unless we beat Ba. That's our only focus right now — to give Ba a good game and hopefully get the win.' Both matches can be watched LIVE and FREE on FIFA+.
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
OFC Women's Champions League 2025 Semi-Finals Preview: Coaches Share Thoughts
The stage is set for two thrilling semi-final showdowns at the OFC Women's Champions League in Tahiti tomorrow. Holders Auckland United FC take on Henderson Eels FC after Ba Women FC and Hekari Womens FC meet in the first semi-final at Stade Pater in Papeete. Defending champions Auckland United FC head into their match with momentum from a strong group stage, but coach Ben Bate acknowledges there's still room for improvement. 'Our game against Hekari was a bit of a challenge,' Bate reflected. 'The energy and intensity they brought in the first half caught us off-guard. We made a few changes at halftime, and I think we really took control in the second period,' Bate added. With the Solomon Islands-based side known for its pace and spearheaded by the dangerous Ileen Pegi, Bate is approaching the match with caution and respect. 'We spent time in the Solomon Islands last year during the OFC Womens Champions League and got to know the Eels quite well. They're dangerous, especially with their quick transitions and pace up front — their front four are really bright and sharp," Bate said. For Henderson Eels, their semi-final appearance marks a historic achievement, and head coach Priscilla Tariga is keeping the mood in camp calm and focused. 'It's history for us to reach the semi-finals,' Tariga said. 'Everyone is relaxed — there's no pressure. I've told the girls, 'We can do this.'' Facing the reigning champions is no easy task, but Tariga is determined her side will stick to their plan and give everything on the field. 'Auckland are the best team, as we know, but we will give it 100 percent. We'll keep our structure, manage our game plan, and play our game. Every minute must count.' While Auckland United are a strong favourite to progress to the Championship decider, the other semi-final has a more even look to it. Ba Women FC are making history of their own in their maiden OFC Women's Champions League campaign, and Charlene Lockington is proud of her team's journey as they prepare to face Hekari Women's FC. 'We're new to the competition, but we won't take it lightly,' Lockington stated. 'We respect Hekari — they're a tough side with two Fijians in their ranks — but we are looking forward to the challenge.' 'The girls are excited. We've already made history for our club by reaching the semis. We do have one injury we're managing, but a few fresh players will be brought in. Everyone is ready.' Ericsson Komeng is keeping his Hekari Womens FC squad focused on the task ahead as they prepare to face the determined Fijian outfit. 'The mood in the camp is positive,' Komeng said. 'After the win in the final Group match, the girls are looking forward to playing Ba. They are a strong team with quality players.' While a potential rematch with Auckland United looms in the final, Komeng is adamant the team's full focus remains on their semi-final battle. 'We can't look ahead. We don't go to the grand final unless we beat Ba. That's our only focus right now — to give Ba a good game and hopefully get the win.' Both matches can be watched LIVE and FREE on FIFA+.
