Fiji’s Labasa Women FC are through to the semifinals of the OFC Women’s Champions League 2024 after holding defending champions AS Academy Féminine to a scoreless draw in their final Group B match-up in the Solomon Islands today.
The draw, the tournament’s first goalless game, ensured the Babasiga Women finish second in their Group B, advancing to the semifinals. They will take on Group A leaders Hekari United FC in the first semi-final on Wednesday March 20.
Vanisha Kumar who was named player of the match described the win and making the semis as huge, unexpected and ”amazing.”
“We came in as the underdogs. We did not do very well last year. I think the expectations were quite low for us. The team was quite happy with how we progressed in this competition. I don’t think we expect to do as well as we did, but we are all pretty happy about it,” Kumar said.
“I think this year we were better prepared. A lot of the girls were coming from the national team, and were prepping for the national qualifiers so everyones fitness is quite up. We also have some overseas players, and some transfers from other districts as well so we are better prepared. We also have a new coach and he has gelled well with the team in the short time we had. I think that all played a part in how we did.
“Making the semis is huge. No one expected us to come this far. Proving everyone wrong has been amazing.”
Heading into the final match-up, Labasa only needed a point to make the semi-finals, after a draw (1-all vs Auckland United) and a win (2-0 vs Veitongo FC) in their earlier matches. Roneel Avnith Ram’s faith in the side that dispatched of Veitongo FC 2-0 in an earlier encounter, paid off as the Labasa Women progress to the next stage and a chance to improve on their performance last year.
Auckland United FC will take on Tafea FC Women in the other semis encounter.
The tournament played at Honiara’s National Stadium culminates with the grand finale scheduled for Saturday, March 23.
Photos: OFC
