Hekari dominate women’s O-League opener with a gritty 12-0 win over PanSa

Papua New Guinea’s football powerhouse, Hekari United Women’s FC, has kicked off their OFC Women’s Champions League 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, delivering a commanding 12-0 victory over tournament debutants PanSa FC of American Samoa.

Coming off back-to-back runner-up finishes in the previous editions, the Port Moresby-based club made their championship ambitions clear from the opening whistle. Romona Padio, returning to the squad after missing last year’s tournament, set the tone with a powerful opener in just the fourth minute.

Team captain and star striker Marie Kaipu led by example with a remarkable five-goal haul, including a first-half hat-trick completed in the 25th minute. Kaipu’s dominance was supported by goals from Calista Maneo, Michaelyne Butubu, Adi Litia Bakaniceva, Nenny Elipas, and another two from Padio, who secured a hat-trick of her own.

Despite the scoreline, PanSa goalkeeper Rayxena Foma’i earned praise for her individual performance, making several key saves to prevent an even greater margin of defeat.

Head Coach Ericsson Komeng rotated the squad at halftime, preserving energy for a highly anticipated Group B clash against defending champions Auckland United, scheduled for Thursday [Tahiti local time].

With a blend of experience, depth, and hunger for a maiden OFC title, Hekari United Women’s FC have sent a clear warning to the rest of the competition.