A hat-trick from Henderson Eels’ Madeline Arukau has led her side to an impressive opening match victory over Tupapa Maraerenga at the OFC Women’s Champions League in Papeete.

Arukau was the hero for the Solomon Islanders with two clinical first half strikes after talismanic skipper Ileen Pegi had slotted home the first goal of the tournament. Aarakau added her hat-trick goal soon after the break to seal a dominant win for Priscilla Tariga’s side.

The Cook Islands side had started the match well and created the opening goal scoring chance with Te Upoko Tuariki testing the goal with Mii Savage driving the play from midfield.

But playing into the wind proved difficult for Tupapa to retain possession and Henderson Eels were able to control the ball and threaten regularly down the left with Pegi a constant threat on goal.

After continued pressure and a standout save from Tupapa’s keeper Rianna Pepe, Pegi finally broke through in the 26th minute putting her side deservedly in front.

Henderson Eels’ speed in the midfield was epitomised by Lorina Solosaia and Pegi, and the team was rewarded with two rapid goals from Arukau in the 36th and 40th minute respectively.

Tupapa came out strong after the break, with the wind at their backs midfield, the side showed attacking intent early.

But in typical fashion, the Eels were lightening quick on the counter and a long ball found Arukau who added her third in the 60th minute.

Tupapa Maraerenga at the OFC Women’s Champions League in Papeete, Tahiti. The side lost 0-5 to Solomon Islands’ Henderson Eels. Photo Credit OFC Media via Phototek/25050622

Despite some chances from Tupapa, led by Te Upoko Tuariki and Victoria Fatiaki, the Eels finished the game with a comfortable win in the opening match.

Arukau turned provider deep in stoppage time, her excellent cross from the left-hand side finished from close range by Agnes Gitoli to complete a fine opening day for the Solomon Islanders.

Henderson Eels will face Ba Women FC in their second match on Wednesday (Tahiti time), whilst Tupapa Maraerenga will meet Ba Women FC on Saturday (Tahiti time).

In the lead up to the tournament, as newcomers to the tournament, Tupapa Maraerenga FC were determined to test their skills on the international stage.

Head coach Angela Wallbank earlier said: “There’s a lot of excitement within the team. We’ve done a lot to prepare and when we get there, we’ll know what it’s all about.”

Tupapa Maraerenga FC sealed their place in the OFC Women’s Champions League, following their 2-1 victory against Avatiu FC in the Cook Islands Football Associations’ Knockout Cup.

Entering their first OFC Women’s Champions League, Wallbank said they were focused on nailing the basics.

“Something we’ve been talking about from the beginning is that it is an unknown of how these teams can play and what we can expect,” she said earlier.

“Having the key fundamentals and working together as a unit has been the key for us.”

• OFC Media