New Caledonia’s AS Academy Féminine wins innaugural OFC Women’s Champions League

The inaugural OFC Women’s Champions League, held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, marked a historic moment for women’s football in Oceania. Among the teams competing, AS Academy Féminine from New Caledonia emerged as the champions, showcasing their dominance throughout the tournament. They won all four of their matches, scoring an impressive 15 goals while conceding only three.

AS Academy Féminine’s success can be attributed to their exceptional team performance, skillful players, and tactical prowess. Their coordinated efforts on the field led them to victory, and they displayed a strong attacking game coupled with a solid defense. The team’s achievement in clinching the title played a significant role in promoting women’s football and fostering inclusivity in the South Pacific region.

The individual award winners added more shine to AS Academy Féminine’s triumph. Edsy Matao, their talented player, was honored with the prestigious Golden Ball award. Matao’s exceptional performances and influential contributions throughout the tournament made her stand out among her peers, cementing her status as a key player in her team’s success and earning the tournament’s best player award.

The Golden Boot award went to Marie Kaipu from Hekari United, from Papua New Guinea that finished in second place. Kaipu’s goal-scoring prowess was evident throughout the tournament, as she consistently found the back of the net, showcasing her clinical finishing abilities and playing a vital role in Hekari United’s campaign.

Sylvester Maenu’u, the goalkeeper from Koloale FC in the Solomon Islands, was recognized with the Golden Glove award. Maenu’u’s impressive performances between the posts contributed to her team’s defensive strength, making crucial saves throughout the tournament and playing a pivotal role in Koloale FC’s third-place finish.

Other notable teams in the tournament included Labasa from Fiji, who secured fourth place, and Kiwi FC from Samoa, who ended in fifth place. Their participation in the inaugural OFC Women’s Champions League was an important step in the development of women’s football in their respective countries and further contributed to the growth of the sport in the South Pacific region.

The inaugural OFC Women’s Champions League served as a groundbreaking event for women’s football in Oceania, paving the way for future tournaments and initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and empowering women in the sport. AS Academy Féminine’s triumph, coupled with the individual award winners, highlighted the immense talent and potential of women’s football in the region, leaving a lasting impact on the growth and development of the game.