Tafea FC secured their place in the semi-finals of the OFC Women’s Champions League with an exhilarating 4-3 success over Ba Women FC in humid and sticky conditions at Honiara International Stadium.

The Vanuatu side were made to work exceedingly hard for progression though, having to come from 2-3 down at half-time and score four superb goals to shake off a Ba Women FC team that pushed them to their limit and beyond.

Needing just a point to qualify for the last four, Tafea FC got off to a flying start by taking an early lead. The Ba Women FC defence failed to sufficiently clear a cross and, after her original header had bounced back fortuitously into her path, Liyo Eramol lashed the loose ball high into the roof of the Ba Women FC net from the edge of the six-yard box.

Ba Women FC responded promptly and drew level midway through the first half. A long ball caused havoc in the Tafea FC rearguard and Elesi Tabunase pounced to break away and calmly slot her right-footed finish past goalkeeper Amelia Reddy.

Tafea FC regained the lead before the interval. A slide-rule pass freed Nettie Kalsau in the 37th minute and her square ball was swept imperiously into the net by Leimata Simon, her fourth goal of the tournament. And yet, incredibly, it was Ba Women FC who led at the break.

Ba Women FC Head Coach Charlene Viti had introduced substitute Narieta Leba a couple of minutes before half-time and the replacement had an instant impact slotting home for 2-2. Moments later, a chance was fashioned for Koleta Likuculacula, and she coolly finished to send the Fijians ahead in stoppage time.

In the second half Tafea went looking for the goal that would put them back into a qualifying position with Eramol and Simon causing all sorts of problems with their direct running, and willingness to shoot, and it was from a cut-back by the former that Kalsau hooked home from close range to make it 3-3.

Tafea had enjoyed the better of the opportunities throughout the match and, shortly after the cooling break, took the lead for the third time. A pinpoint corner from Jane Alatoa was met by a thumping header from Limas Erikan that gave Ba Women FC stopper Mereseini Waqali with no chance.

Ba Women FC knew they needed a brace of goals to progress, and they pushed everyone into attack in an attempt to turn the match on its head but were unable to make the inroads required and gallantly bowed out as Tafea FC marched on.

RESULT

Tafea FC 4 (Liyo ERAMOL 7’, Leimata SIMON 37’, Nettie KALSAU 64’, Limas ERIKAN 74’)

Ba Women FC 3 (Elesi TABUNASE 23’, Narieta LEBA 45’, Koleta LIKUCULACULA 45+4’)