Puaikura FC have produced a spirited comeback to secure a historic place in the semi-finals of OFC Women’s Champions League 2026 with a 2-2 draw against Drehu Athletico Club in Group B.
Victoria Fatiaki’s second-half equaliser proved enough to send the Cook Islands champions into the semi-finals on goal difference, making Puaikura the first club from the Cook Islands to reach the knockout stage of either the men’s or women’s OFC Champions League.
With defending champions Auckland United FC already through, the final semi-final place came down to the last Group B fixture. Drehu needed all three points to advance, while a draw was enough for Puaikura to progress on goal difference.
Heavy rain made conditions difficult from the opening whistle, but Drehu settled quickest – pressing high and controlling possession as they looked determined to find the breakthrough. Kine Hmaen, Cina Kourevi and Kané Dralu combined well in attack, with Dralu’s pace causing problems down the right flank.
After knocking on the door for much of the first, the breakthrough came when a perfectly weighted pass released Kine Hmaen in behind the defence and after the keeper lost her footing, Hmaen kept her composure to slot home for a 1-0 lead.
Puaikura remained organised at the back and looked to strike on the counter through Primrose Savage, who was at the heart of most of their attacking moves. Their persistence paid off just before halftime when Savage whipped a free kick into the penalty area, feeding Ngamata Moekaa who powered a header into the net, and levelling the scores at 1-1.
Drehu wasted little time restoring their advantage after the restart, when Cina Kourevi’s long-range effort from the right slipped through the gloves of C-Jay Rimamotu, giving the New Caledonian side a 2-1 lead. Needing only an equaliser to book their place in the semi-finals, Puaikura responded with urgency and began to commit more players forward.
Their best chance fell to Victoria Fatiaki, who was played through on goal but could not take advantage. She would not miss a second time though, when another incisive through ball released Fatiaki in behind the defence, and the forward lifted her finish over the advancing goalkeeper to draw Puaikura level.
Drehu continued to press for a winner, stretching the Puaikura defence and looking to exploit the wide areas that had brought them success throughout the match. Korevi and Hmaen led the attacking charge, creating several dangerous opportunities with relentless pressure, but Puaikura’s defence stood firm to preserve the draw.
The result confirms Puaikura FC’s place in the semi-finals as Group B runners-up, a significant milestone for Cook Islands football. They’ll meet the winners of Group A in the last four.
Drehu Athletico Club: 2 (Kine HMAEN 15′, Cina KOUREVI 48′)
Puaikura FC: 2 (Ngamata MOEKAA 43′, Victoria FATIAKI 72′)
HT: 1-1
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek