BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
HENDERSON Eels of the Solomon Islands secured their first win in the OFC Women’s Champions League 2024 with a vital 2-0 victory against Avatiu FC of the Cook Islands, with goals from Madeline Arukau and Ella Vakatao during yesterday’s showdown at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara.
Henderson Eels coach Godfrey Manehihoa praised Madeline Arurukau for assisting Veronica Tolivaka in scoring the Eel’s second goal and their first goal from a corner kick.
“It’s always good to start with a win, especially in this kind of tournament. I’m proud of the girls, as they executed our game plan really well by scoring two goals. I told them to settle down in the second half and concede goals. I also told them that this is your home ground,” Manihioha told journalists at the post-match interview at Lawson Tama Stadium.
With the Eels second match against Hekari FC on Wednesday at 12:00 pm, Manihioha said that they know the challenge ahead and can’t take it for granted.
“I am sure with this win it will take us to play a good game against Hekari as most of them are from the Papua New Guinea national team.
“I’m super happy for my first international appearance, especially in the development of women’s football in the country. I am very proud to be involved in women’s football. And as coaches, the point is that we have to take one game at a time. I’m telling my players not to overexcite, which is also good for me.
“Football can change, but of course I’m happy with my overall performance today,” he said.
Likewise, Avatiu FC Head Coach Mii Savage gave her positive thoughts following her team’s defeat to Henderson Eels FC, saying that despite the loss, she’s still proud of her side’s performance.
“I think our girls really did well for the first time for us here. We prefer the best we can,” Mii Savage said.
With their second match against Tafea FC of Vanuatu on Wednesday, Mii Savage said that they have to build on the first game and put things back in order.
“What we have to work on for our next match is working as a unit and giving our best, making it harder for any opponent with a few games ahead. We are going to deny them scoring, and if we have the opportunity, we are going to take it.
“But it’s about experience for our girls; it’s about challenge, and we have to learn, but at the same time, just to be formidable,” Avatiu FC Head Coach said.
Group A of the OFC Women’s Champions League 2024 is comprised of Avatiu FC of the Cook Islands, Tafea FC of Vanuatu, Hekari FC of Papua New Guinea, and Henderson Eels of the Solomon Islands.
