Papua New Guinea University of Technology Expands Global Outreach with New Leadership

Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United Women’s FC opened their OFC Women’s Champions League 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, overpowering American Samoa’s PanSa FC with a commanding 12-0 win in their Group B opener.

After finishing as runners-up in the last two editions, the Port Moresby-based side wasted no time laying down their title credentials. Romona Padio, back in the squad after missing the previous tournament, opened the scoring in the fourth minute to set the tone for the rout.

Skipper Marie Kaipu produced a standout performance, netting five goals, including a first-half hat-trick completed by the 25th minute. Additional goals came from Calista Maneo, Michaelyne Butubu, Adi Litia Bakaniceva, Nenny Elipas, and two more from Padio, who completed a hat-trick of her own.

Despite the scoreline, PanSa FC goalkeeper Rayxena Foma’i received praise for her resilience between the posts, making several key saves that prevented an even wider margin.

Head coach Ericsson Komeng made several changes at the break to manage player fitness ahead of a crucial Thursday showdown against defending champions Auckland United.

With depth, experience, and a clear hunger for their first OFC crown, PNG’s Hekari United Women have issued a powerful warning to the rest of the competition.

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Papua New Guinea University of Technology Expands Global Outreach with New Leadership