Defending champions Auckland United FC are ready for strong competition at the OFC Women’s Champions League in Tahiti, as they look to defend the title they won in the Solomon Islands last year.
After clinching a 1-0 win in last year’s final against Hekari Womens FC, Auckland United are excited to build off their performance as they look to go back-to-back.
Head Coach Ben Bate says the team are valuing their preparation time, after having only had a short camp in the lead up to last year’s tournament.
“We’ve got a lot longer buildup this time. Much better preparation compared to last year, and we’ve got a lot more done,” he said.
Last year’s victory saw Auckland United FC become the first New Zealand side to lift the OFC Women’s Champions League trophy and only the second winners in competition history, after AS Academy Féminine won the inaugural tournament in 2023.
This year they face the host nation side AS Pirae, American Samoa’s Pansa – making their debut – and 2024 opponents, Hekari Womens FC.
It’s a challenge that Bate says the team are excited to take on.
“It’s always good to play those games. You want to play the best teams possible to help you get better. It’ll be a good game and it’s awesome.”
The winner of the OFC Women’s Champions League will feature in the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™, as well as improving their chances of qualifying for the inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup™, scheduled to take place in 2028.
Chasing their second consecutive tournament victory, Bate says the pressure is on.
“There’s a little more at stake. It’s extended the focus almost beyond the tournament, so the ante has been upped a little bit.
“It’s been a lot more pressure in some ways, but it’s given us a lot more intensity and drive as a result.”
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek
Auckland United FC fixtures
Kick-off times local
v AS Pirae
Monday, May 5 | 3:00pm
v Hekari Womens FC
Thursday, May 8 | 12:00pm
v Pansa
Sunday, May 11 | 12:00pm