Hekari in must-win situation after draw

HEKARI United will be playing a must-win clash against hosts Henderson Eels in today’s Oceania Football Confederation Women’s Champions League fixture.
The Solomon Islands side won their opening match against Cook Islands’ Avatiu FC on Monday to occupy the group’s pole spot with one more win to secure their semifinal ticket.
For the Eric Komeng-coached side, after their 1-1 draw on Sunday, a win was important to keep their hopes alive and advance to the playoff stage.
Komeng will be banking on Marie Kaipu and Nenny Elipas upfront to convert their chances with support from Micahelyne Butubu and Phylis Pala in the midfield.
Pala, who has proved valuable with her equalising goal in their tournament opener, will be a player to watch.
Experienced goal keeper Fidelma Watpore will be tasked to avoid conceding goals with defenders Serah Waida, Georgina Bakani and Raynata Samuel holding the forth.
An ambitious Komeng aims to win the tournament and a draw has already put them at a disadvantaged position, with their road to semifinal resting on winning the remaining two group fixtures.
A win against Hendersons will leapfrog them up to pole spot, relegating the host side.
The Solomon Islands side have a few national players in their services including center-back Edith Nari who represented the country on a number of occasions and will be a key player in today’s clash.
Her experience and recent performances at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament – Oceania Qualifier in Samoa will come in handy the tournament.
She is one of six players who were part of the Solomon Islands side that reached the final during that Oceania Qualifier campaign.