Auckland United FC will meet Hekari Women FC in the final of the OFC Women’s Champions League for the third consecutive edition, after defeating Tafea FC 2-1 in the second semi-final of the day at the National Stadium in Honiara.
Auckland United had been pushed to extra-time by Tafea when they met in the semi-finals in 2024, and were again made to work hard here. Two quickfire goals at the start of the second half did the job for the two-time defending champions though, securing a spot in the big dance again, where they’ll meet familiar foes Hekari Women on Friday.
The second semi-final followed a similar script to the first, with Auckland United FC dominating proceedings, but lacking a clinical touch in front of goal through the first 45 minutes.
Tafea goalkeeper Amelia Reddy was a huge factor, coming off her line to make a superb solo stop after Olivia Ingham was played through one-on-one.
She made numerous other fine saves, but having scored 18 goals in their two group stage matches, there were some early nerves from Auckland United in front of goal on this high-stakes occasion.
Having beaten Reddy, Aniela Jensen pulled an effort wide of the right post with an open goal to aim at. Charley March also poked the ball wide of the right post after latching onto a good delivery to the back post from captain Talisha Green.
Tafea themselves offered a couple of glimpses of their potential on the counterattack with Leimata Simon up top but were otherwise well organised defensively to keep Auckland United scoreless at the break.
They weren’t to keep them at bay for much longer though as the floodgates opened at the start of the second half, Auckland United scoring two goals in the space of seven minutes to seal their place in a third consecutive final.
Charley March provided the breakthrough with what appeared to be a mis-hit delivery into the box off the left flank in the 48th minute, catching Reddy off her line, and beating the Tafea goalkeeper at her near post.
Soon after, Olivia Ingham scored her fourth goal of the tournament to double Auckland’s advantage in the 55th minute, sweeping home a pinpoint delivery off the right flank from Siobhan Edwards.
Tafea did at least threaten a late comeback in the closing stages. Nettie Kalsau halved the deficit and kept the Vanuatu side in contention with a well-taken goal into the top of the net on her right foot in the 87th minute.
There were some nerves for Auckland when seven minutes were scheduled for second half stoppage-time, but the New Zealand representatives saw out the remainder of the contest to take a big step towards winning a third consecutive OFC Women’s Champions League title.
Auckland United FC: 2 (Charley MARCH 48’, Olivia INGHAM 55’)
Tafea FC: 1 (Nettie KALSAU 87′)
HT: 0-0
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek