Wrapping up the inaugural OFC Women’s Champion League here in the capital Port Moresby on the final match day at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, it was the hosts Hekari who nailed Labasa FC to come second place to AS Academy Feminine.
The Last hurrah for the home side, saw them go 2-0 over a struggling Labasa, all thanks to a Marie Kaipu double.
Starting off strong, Hekari pressed the Labasa defence all afternoon, Kaipu opening the scoring in the 12th minute and later in the 28th minute from a spot on cross from Michaelyn Butubu.
Labasa also had their fair share of chances, with Captain Jotivini Tabua shooting a free-kick just above the crossbar while Unaisi Tuberi coming close in the second half, only to be taken in a goal saving tackle by Hekari Keeper, Fidelma Watpore.
Ramona Padio continued to be a handful in mid-field, wreaking havoc for the Labasa defence to be the final player of the match for the Champions League.
Hekari Coach, Erickson Komeng applauded his team’s performance over the championship, unfortunately falling short but has promised that they will learn from their mistakes and work towards the next tournament.
“We’ll take a lot out of the tournament and hope for a positive start for the national league and hopefully qualify in the next women’s champion’s league. We are gonna take a lot of positives out of the tournament.”
He made mention that now with the experience that they have gained from this tournament, he is sure this will make them hungrier to work harder for the next regional event.