Auckland beat Hekari to claim Oceania title

NEW Zealand’s Auckland United were crowned champions of the Oceania Football Confederation Women’s Champions League after defeating Hekari United 1-0 in Saturday’s final in Honiara.
A 25th minute goal by Auckland striker Bree Johnson was enough to give the Ben Bate-coached side the lead into the break and eventually claiming the honours. The Eric Komeng-coached side created a few chances of their own through skipper Marie Kaipu and midfielder Phylis Pala but the New Zealand defence proved stronger, denying them the title as they finished as runners-up for the second year.
The two sides looked to impose themselves on one another early on. Down by one but certainly not out, Hekari United came close to an equaliser through a sustained period of pressure.
Despite the early flurry from Hekari, Auckland United began to assert control over the game, again with their youngsters to eventually win the second edition of the women’s tournament.