Auckland United have one foot in the semi-finals at the OFC Women’s Champions League after latest results from the eight-club tournament.
United moved to the top of Group B on goal difference, after a 5-0 win against defending champions AS Academy Féminine, while Fijian champions Labasa overcame Tonga’s Veitonga 2-0.
This means the New Zealanders can make sure of a semi-final berth with a draw or better against winless Veitonga on Sunday.
Main photo: Auckland United (white shirts) recorded an emphatic win against the title holders. Photo credit: OFC Media / Phototek.
Auckland United speedster Rene Wasi bagged a hat-trick to help clinch a 5-0 victory against AS Academy Féminine in the second round of group games in the OFC Women’s Champions League.
A draw with Fiji champions Labasa made the game at the Solomon Islands’ National Stadium a must-win for United, and the challenge of reigning champions AS Academy posed a considerable threat.
To calm any nerves that may have lingered at the first whistle, Auckland United struck early.
Wasi latched onto a brilliant cross before chipping the goalkeeper in the fifth minute to put the New Zealanders in the lead.
With their tails up, the Kiwis threatened again on multiple occasions, but some resolute defending from their New Caledonian opponents ensured the scoreline didn’t blow out.
As they did in their previous match, AS Academy, Féminine started slowly before eventually finding some momentum.
A free-kick in the 25th minute from captain Alice Wenessia crashed against the crossbar.
This triggered a frenetic period around the Auckland penalty area, with AS Academy hot on attack but wave after wave of pressure was managed well by the Auckland United defence and the clean sheet was preserved.
Auckland’s dominance on the ball paid off just before half-time, when Wasi got her second.
Skipper Talisha Green released her down the middle of the field before the forward calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Anais Barth.
The forward completed a superb hat-trick just ten minutes later.
Yume Harashima received the ball deep, before slipping in an advancing Pia Vlok, who despite being tripped, managed to feed Wasi. The forward unleashed a rocket into the top corner, putting the game beyond doubt.
Not satisfied with a three-goal haul, Wasi almost turned provider six minutes later, though substitute Charlotte Roche could only hit the post from close range. Wasi then teed up Penny Brill, who dragged her shot wide as Auckland continued their attacking onslaught.
As the minutes ticked by, AS Academy’s chances to pull the game back began to fade, largely reduced to long-range shots as they became frustrated by the strong United defensive line.
Substitute Roache made her presence felt, and almost had her first goal of the game only to be denied by the post in the 87th minute.
Brill added a clinching fourth goal for the New Zealand side in the 89th minute.
The forward pounced on a loose clearance from AS Academy, before drilling the ball into the net.
Roache finally got the goal she deserved in stoppage time — securing an important victory for Auckland United that took them to the top of the table.
READ MORE: Potential semi-finalists emerge in Group A at OFC Women’s Champions League >>>>
Labasa beat Veitongo to remain unbeaten
Narieta Leba’s first-half double for Labasa Women FC has given the Fijian side a much-needed win at the OFC Women’s Champions League, setting up a fascinating finale in Group B over the weekend.
In the 25th minute, Shayal Sindhika’s through ball was pounced on by Narieta Leba, who rounded the on-rushing Madison Tenifa before cooly rolling the ball into the empty net to break the deadlock.
Veitongo’s Ana Polovili thought she’d secured a quick equaliser as Selai Tikoisuva seemed to spill her shot, but Labasa’s goalkeeper had done just enough to divert the ball away for a corner.
A little over five minutes before the half-time interval, Labasa got their second, through Leba once again. Holding off Ana Lauteau, the forward created space for herself before firing a low effort into the corner and beyond the outstretched grasp of Tenifa.
The game was scoreless in the second half, ensuring Labasa kept their unbeaten record at the tournament.
Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the assistance of OFC Media in providing our reports from the Solomon Islands.
Results
Games played on Thursday March 14, 2024
Group B
AS Academy Féminine 0
Auckland United 5 (Rene Wasi 5′, 45+4′, 54′, Penny Brill 89′, Charlotte Roache 90+2′)
Labasa 2 (Narieta Leba 25′, 39′)
Veitongo 0
Standings
Fixtures
Games to be played on Sunday March 17, 2024
Auckland United v Veitongo
National Stadium, Honiara, 2pm (NZT)
AS Academy Féminine v Labasa
National Stadium, Honiara, 5pm (NZT)
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