Home-side AS Pirae have kept their semi-final hopes alive after a dominant 6-0 victory over PanSa FC, including a fantastic penalty from AS Pirae goalkeeper Linda Rua.
The result means Auckland United FC are confirmed in the semi-finals, while AS Pirae and Hekari Women’s FC will face off in a match to determine the second qualifier from Group B.
AS Pirae’s attackers Kohai Mai, Charlotte Rodriguez and the dangerous Tahia Tamarii led the charge with their constant attacking pressure, including a first-half brace from Tamarii.
With Pansa adopting a deep, low block – as they did against Hekari Womens – AS Pirae dominated possession and frequently broke into the final third, but despite their dominance, the team struggled to convert opportunities into goals.
The undoubted highlight of the first-half came from the penalty spot. AS Pirae goalkeeper Linda Rua stepping up to take, and side-footing into the roof of the net to get herself on the scoresheet.
As the game progressed, the echoes of ukuleles from the grandstand seemed to power the home side, who built on their four first-half goals as PanSa tired.
Credit must go to PanSa’s goalkeeper Roxyena Foma’i who once again put on a brave display in goal under constant assault throughout most of the match. One of the key saves coming in the 50th minute, when Foma’i’s quick reflexes stopped a guaranteed goal from the rampaging Tamarii eager for a hattrick.
Tamarii would claim that hat-trick with just over ten minutes left. Sweeping home from inside the box to add her side’s sixth of the afternoon.
The two teams will now prepare for their final group stage match, as AS Pirae aims to secure spot in the semi-finals, when they face Hekari Womens FC, while PanSa FC will have a mammoth task ahead taking on defending champions Auckland United.
AS Pirae FC: 6 (Tahia TAMARII 9’, 25’ 79′, Krystal VIVISH 36’, Linda RUA 42’ (P), Ravanaui WARREN 52′)
PanSa FC: 0
HT: 4–0
Photo credit OFC Media via Phototek