Tupapa Maraerenga FC lost to Ba Women FC 1-3 at Stade Fautua, allowing the Fijian side to seal its place in the semi-finals of the OFC Women’s Champions League 2025.

Three first half goals did the job for Ba, all inside the first 23 minutes, and they held on to their lead for the remainder to claim top spot in Group A, ahead of Henderson Eels FC, on Saturday.

The odds were always stacked against Tupapa Maraerenga to progress, needing a four-goal win to deny Ba a place in the last four, and reach the semi-finals themselves.

That task became close to impossible just four minutes into the contest, Koleta Likuculacula running in-behind the defence and slotting the ball past the keeper to open the scoring for the Fijian side.

Tupapa fought for a response, but despite a double save from goalkeeper Rianna Pepe, Ulamila Rasovasova doubled Ba’s lead in the 22nd minute, and Likuculacula scored her second almost straight from the restart sixty seconds later.

Asenaca Naio had the chance to add another ten minutes before the break, but had her shot blocked after breaking into the box.

Ba remained on top through the second half, with the impressive Likuculacula testing the gloves of Pepe soon after the resumption of play with an acrobatic effort.

Again the keeper denied Likuculacula moments later, turning a header onto the left post with a strong right hand.

Captain Luisa Tamanitoakula came within inches from a direct free kick off the left flank, only to be blocked by a strong header from Penina Katuke off the goal-line.

Chances were limited for Tupapa Maraerenga throughout, but they made a late push for a consolation goal to end their campaign on a high note.

It came in the 79th minute – Kayleen Kermode turning home a corner delivery off the left flank to score the team’s only goal of the tournament.

Likuculacula had another opportunity to finish her hat-trick late on, but was once again denied by Pepe.

A clash with the runners-up from Group B in the semi-finals now awaits on Wednesday for Ba, with Tupapa Maraerenga exiting the tournament at the group stage. Tupapa lost 0-5 to Solomon Islands’ Henderson Eels in their first match.

Meanwhile, Hekari Womens FC will face Ba Women FC in the first semi-final on Wednesday (Tahiti time) before defending champions Auckland United FC play Henderson Eels FC of the Solomon Islands in the second semifinal.

• OFC Media

Result

Tupapa Maraerenga FC: 1 (Kayleen Kermode 79’) Ba Women FC: 3 (Koleta Likuculacula 4’, 23’, Ulamila Rasovasova 22’). HT 0-3