Hekari storm into OFC Women’s Champions League final with emphatic win over Ba
Hekari Women’s FC have booked their spot in the final of the OFC Women’s Champions League 2025, following a commanding 6-1 victory over Fiji’s Ba Women FC in the first semi-final at Stade Pater in Pape'ete.
The Papua New Guinea champions, appearing in their second consecutive OFC Women’s Champions League semi-final, delivered their most dominant performance of the tournament.
Although they squandered several chances in the first half, Hekari came alive after the break with a flurry of goals that sealed their place in the final.
Hekari took an early lead in the 5th minute when Ba goalkeeper Mereseni Waqali misjudged a clearance, allowing Nenny Elipas to score into an open net.
Despite their early dominance, Hekari failed to capitalize further, missing a series of opportunities through Michaelyne Butubu and Romona Padio.
Ba equalized against the run of play after Hekari’s goalkeeper Gloria Laeli conceded a penalty. Ba captain Luisa Tamanitoakula made no mistake from the spot, leveling the score at 1-1 going into halftime.
Hekari came out firing in the second half as star striker Marie Kaipu quickly restored her team’s lead with a low shot past the advancing Waqali. Just minutes later, Kaipu turned provider, setting up Elipas for her second goal of the night. She repeated the feat moments later, as Elipas completed her hat-trick capping off a sensational personal performance.
In the 69th minute, Kaipu added a goal of her own [her seventh of the tournament] heading home after the ball ricocheted off the crossbar. Phylis Pala completed the rout from the penalty spot five minutes from time, rounding off a clinical second-half performance.
With the 6-1 victory, Hekari Women’s FC now advance to their second straight OFC Women’s Champions League final, reinforcing their status as one of the powerhouses of women’s football in the Pacific. They will await the winner of the second semi-final to see who they face in the championship match.