Auckland United made it three OFC Women’s Champions League titles in a row, with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Hekari Women FC at the National Stadium in Honiara – the third time in three seasons that the two sides had met at this stage.
The two previous finals had been tight affairs, with the Kiwi side coming out on top 1-0 on both occasions. Ericson Komeng’s side were determined to turn the tide and lift the trophy for the first time in Hekari Women FC’s history.
It was the reigning champions who started brightest however and took an early lead, inside four minutes, leaving the Papua New Guinea side shell-shocked.
A short corner routine was given far too much space, allowing Piper O’Neill to clip an excellent cross to the far post, finding the unmarked Alaina Granger, who glanced home her header from a few yards out – a perfect start for the title holders.
Auckland United pressed to double their lead and almost did so, through a free-kick from Japanese playmaker Rena Okutsu. Her whipped effort from wide on the left-hand side was saved well by Betty Sam – getting down smartly to scoop the ball away.
To their credit, Hekari Women refused to buckle and found an equaliser with just under twenty minutes on the clock. Adi Litia Bakaniceva showed good enterprise down the left flank, creating space for herself to cross into the area. The ball evaded all-comers, finally falling to the on-rushing Nenny Elipas, who displayed excellent technique to finish high into the net past Charlotte Eagle.
Auckland United dominated much of the first period, with Granger missing a great chance to double her tally. Another header from close range should have been buried, but she could only direct her effort straight at Sam.
Coach Komeng would have been desperate to get his side in at the break on level terms, but the champions had the final say of the first 45 minutes. Sasha Adamson picking the ball up on the edge of the area and curling an outstanding effort into the far corner, past the outstretched hand of Sam to reestablish the New Zealander’s lead.
Hekari Women certainly didn’t waste any time in trying to shift the momentum. Komeng bringing off Ramona Padio at half-time, replacing her with the experienced Marie Kaipu.
It was the defending champions however that continued to push for a third goal that would surely put one hand on the trophy. Betty Sam was called into action twice in the early minutes of the half, as Hekari Women looked to weather the storm.
A third almost arrived just after the hour mark. Yume Harashima with a speculative effort that Sam did well to get a fingertip to, pushing the ball onto the crossbar.
Auckland United Head Coach Jo Dawkins introduced Grace Bartlett into proceedings and the winger gave the Hekari Women defence another headache to deal with – her pace especially causing issues on the right-hand side.
The desperation of Hekari Women grew as time went on, as they struggled to create much in the way of clear cut chances. Auckland United’s defensive resolve never looked like crumbling, as they restricted their opponents to rare forays forwards and speculative long balls.
Charlotte Roche could and perhaps should have added a third with minutes remaining. The substitute finding herself with considerable space in the penalty area but she could only angle her effort high and wide with a rushed finish.
A third would deservedly arrive late on. Substitute Kara McGillivray’s cross from the left couldn’t be held by Betty Sam, with the ball falling on the line and Aniela Jensen on hand to smash home to make it 3-1 and ensure the trophy stays with Auckland United.
As well as lifting the trophy, the New Zealanders can also look forward to competing in next year’s FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, where they will face North Korea’s Naegohyang Women’s FC.
Hekari Women FC: 1 (Nenny ELIPAS 18′)
Auckland United FC: 3 (Alaina GRANGER 4′, Sasha ADAMSON 45+3′, Aniela JENSEN 87′)
HT: 1-2
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek