2 Jun 2023

New Caledonian side snatch victory with 100th-minute winner

11:42 am on 2 June 2023
AS Academy Féminine players celebrate their late, late winner

AS Academy Féminine players celebrate their late, late winner Photo: OFC Media

A winning goal that came 10 minutes into added time has given AS Academy Féminine an opening-day victory in the Oceania Women's Champions League.

AS Academy Féminine beat host nation team Hekari United 2-1 in Port Moresby.

The New Caledonian side opened the scoring in just the second minute when Drenga Leme finished superbly after receiving the ball just outside the penalty box.

Marie Kaipu equalised for Hekari in the 81st minute.

Then came the 100th-minute winner courtesy of the boot of Ashley Xadrudrue Gowet, who arrowed an effort into the roof of the net to clinch the three points in dramatic fashion.

In the opening match of the tournament, Fiji's Labasa Women FC dispatched Samoan reps Kiwi FC 6-0.

Sofi Diyalowai took only eight minutes to find the net, and Stella Naivalulevu added one on 25 minutes and another before the interval for a 3-0 halftime lead.

Adi Vulitikoro and Unaisi Tuberi with a brace added late goals for the final score.

Solomon Islands' representatives Koloale FC had a bye, and play their first game against Labassa on Saturday, while Kiwi FC and Hekari Utd meet later in the day.