Hekari finished the OFC tournament on a positive note

The Hekari United FC have defeated Labasa FC of Fiji 2-0 in the final match of the tournament and ended their campaign on a high note as runners-up of the Inaugural Oceania Football Confederation Women’s Champions League at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday, 10 th of June, 2023.

The hosts were the first team to score in the opening exchange of the contest. Skipper and

experienced player, Marie Kaipu bagged Hekari’s first goal.

The arm-wrestle continued in the next 20 minutes. Captain courageous, Kaipu scored again to give her side a 2-0 lead at the break.

Despite dominating ball possession and field position in the second half, Hekari struggled to score

goals and extend their lead. The red army made easy in-roads and gained field territory but the

delivery was poor.

On the flip side, the visitors were struggling to turn the momentum in their favor and create some

goal scoring opportunities. They were their own worst enemy.

There was no rhythm and energy in the second half from both sides, though the home side were in Labasa’s red zone many times.

Hekari would have blown Labasa off the park. However, their delivery was very poor, especially in

the second stanza. Nonetheless, the two goals from Kaipu in the first half has decided the match-

winner.

Even though the second half performance was poor, Hekari were happy to win the game and ended the tournament on a positive note.

The head coach of Hekari, Erickson Komeng said he was proud of the team’s effort throughout the tournament.

“Though we did not win the tournament, I am proud of the girls. They did well. To end the

tournament positively and finish as runner-up was a good feeling. We will build on from this

experience and come back strong in the next tournament, if we get qualified,” coach Komeng said.

Meanwhile, the National Soccer League (NSL) for women’s competition will start next weekend.

The Reigning Champions of Women’s NSL competition, Hekari United FC are prepared and eager to start the 2023 campaign strongly and defend their title.