Ba Women FC’s OFC Women’s Champions League campaign came to an end despite a spirited performance in a thrilling 4-3 loss to Tafea FC at Honiara International Stadium.

Needing a victory to keep their semi-final hopes alive, the Fijian champions showed tremendous fight and resilience, leading 3-2 at halftime before eventually being edged out by the Vanuatu side.

Ba found themselves behind early after Tafea’s Liyo Eramol capitalized on a defensive clearance to open the scoring. However, the Fijians responded strongly, with Elesi Tabunase racing through on goal and calmly finishing past goalkeeper Amelia Reddy to level the scores midway through the first half.

Tafea regained the lead through tournament top scorer Leimata Simon, but Ba refused to back down. Head coach Charlene Viti’s decision to introduce Narieta Leba just before halftime paid immediate dividends as the substitute found the back of the net moments after coming on.

Buoyed by the equaliser, Ba struck again in stoppage time when Koleta Likuculacula finished coolly to complete a remarkable turnaround and send the Fijian side into the break with a 3-2 advantage.

With qualification still within reach, Ba continued to battle hard in the second half. But Tafea’s attacking pressure eventually told, as Nettie Kalsau restored parity before Limas Erikan powered home a header from a corner to put the Vanuatu side ahead 4-3.

Knowing they needed two more goals to secure progression, Ba pushed forward relentlessly in the closing stages, committing numbers in attack in a brave attempt to keep their tournament alive.

Despite their efforts, the equaliser never came, and Ba Women FC were left to bow out of the competition after an inspiring display that pushed one of the tournament contenders all the way.

While their OFC Women’s Champions League journey has ended, Ba can take pride in a courageous performance that showcased their attacking quality, determination and fighting spirit on the regional stage.