ROOSTER Chicken Ba Women FC’s journey in the OFC Women’s Champions League concluded with a tough 6-1 defeat to Papua New Guinea’s Hekari Women FC in the semi-finals at Stade Pater in Papeete. Despite the setback, coach and captain Charlene Lockington expressed pride in her team’s accomplishments throughout the tournament.
Lockington remarked, “I’m proud of the girls. Thank God for the whole tournament; we give all honor and glory to Him. Reaching the semi-final is a significant achievement for us, and we thank our parents, fans, and sponsors for their support. Yes, we had some players out injured, but we hope to return next year stronger.” She remains optimistic about Ba’s chances of qualifying for the tournament again in the future.
The match started with Hekari’s Nenny Elipas scoring an early goal due to a mistake by Ba’s goalkeeper Mereseni Waqali. However, Ba showcased their resilience as Luisa Tamanitoakula netted a penalty to level the score before halftime. Despite Ba’s efforts, they were overwhelmed in the second half, with Hekari scoring five more goals, led by Kaipu and Elipas, who completed a hat trick.
Waqali made significant saves earlier in the match but was ultimately left with few opportunities to respond to Hekari’s attacking plays after halftime. Despite the heavy loss, Ba Women FC’s appearance in the semi-finals during their debut in the competition marks a significant milestone and sets a solid foundation for future campaigns.
This tournament emphasized the increasing investment in women’s football within Oceania, and Ba’s performance serves as an inspiring story for aspiring athletes. As they look forward to regrouping and building a stronger team for next year’s tournament, there is a shared optimism that their journey will inspire more young female athletes to pursue their dreams in sports. The dedication and growth shown throughout this championship are a beacon of hope for the future of women’s football in the region.
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