Hekari Women FC have left it late to secure a dramatic 3-1 win over Ba Women FC at the OFC Women’s Champions League in Honiara. Despite trailing for much of the match, the Papua New Guinea champions scored three goals in the closing stages to move to the top of Group A.

Ba Women struck first against the run of play in the 33rd minute when Narieta Leba raced onto a long pass and fired home her second goal of the tournament.

Hekari had dominated possession and created several chances before the break, but Ba’s defence held firm to take a one-nil lead into halftime.

The PNG side continued to press in the second half and eventually found an equaliser in the 71st minute. Maria Veronika capitalised on a goalkeeping error to slot home from close range and level the scores.

The turning point came deep into stoppage time when Ba’s Sereana Naweni received a second yellow card, reducing the Fijian side to 10 players.

Hekari quickly took advantage, with Nenny Elipas scoring the go-ahead goal in the 95th minute after pouncing on a rebound.

Just two minutes later, Phylis Pala sealed the victory, adding a third goal to complete the remarkable comeback.
The win moves Hekari Women FC to the top of Group A with four points from two matches. Ba Women remain on three points, with both sides still in contention for a place in the semi-finals heading into their final group matches on Saturday.