Hekari to meet Auckland United in OFC Women’s Champions League Decider

Hekari Women FC booked their place in the OFC Women’s Champions League Grand Final after securing a gutsy 1-0 victory over Puaikura FC in the Semifinal on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Entering the pitch with confidence following a commanding 9-1 win over the Henderson Eels FC, Hekari were optimistic about defeating Puaikura. However, the Cook Islands girls competed courageously and pushed the PNG side to their limit. 

A flurry of chances went begging for both Hekari and Puaikura in the first half, with the two sides displaying defensive resolve and capping off the opening 45-minute contest with a clean sheet.

The arm wrestle continued in the second stanza as the two sides showed desperation to find the back of the net. With the game hanging in the balance, midfielder Ramona Padio assisted Nenny Elipas, who scored a match-winner in the 85th minute. 

In the other match, New Zealand’s Auckland United FC defeated Vanuatu’s Tafea FC 2-1. The score was 0-0 at halftime, but the game opened up in the second half, with Auckland netting 2 goals and Tafea bagging a consolation goal.

Hekari and Auckland faced off in the 2024 and 2025 finals, with the New Zealand girls claiming the championship consecutively. The Erickson Komeng-coached women are upbeat to redeem themselves when they go head-to-head with their rivals in the big dance.

Coach Komeng commented on the team's preparation: “I think we have to focus on ourselves. They (Auckland United) are a champion team, and we will have to be at our best.

“It’s been a rough journey to get here. We’ve played well since arriving here in the Solomon Islands, and we are looking forward to the final.

“Experience is key to our team. If we use that, we can cause Auckland United some problems.” 

The blockbuster Grand Final rematch between Hekari and Auckland will be staged on Friday, July 10th, at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Kick off is at three O’clock (3:00 PM). 

Established in 2023, PNG hosted the first-ever OFC Women’s Champions League. New Caledonia’s AS Academy Feminine were crowned the inaugural champions, and New Zealand’s Auckland United took over the reins in 2024 and defended the title in 2025. 

Photos: OFC