History Made: Auckland United Crowned OFC Women's Champions for a Third Consecutive Year
Auckland United Premier Women holding the OFC Women’s Champions League Trophy third year running in Honiara. Photo credit: Phototeknz
Our Premier Women have once again been crowned OFC Women's Champions League winners, defeating Hekari United FC in the 2026 Final to secure our third consecutive continental title.
Their victory in Honiara continues a historic chapter for our Premier Women's programme and sees us qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's Champions Cup, where we will once again represent Oceania on the world stage.
Throughout the tournament, our players and staff delivered another outstanding campaign, overcoming challenging conditions and quality opposition to defend the title and reinforce Auckland United's position among Oceania's leading clubs.
This achievement is one our club is incredibly proud of and reflects the commitment, professionalism and dedication shown by our players, coaches and staff both on and off the pitch.
The Road to the Title
After progressing through the group stage, we faced one of our toughest tests of the tournament in the semi-final against Tafea FC.
A disciplined and determined Tafea side challenged us throughout the contest, forcing us to remain patient and composed. It was a hard-fought victory that secured our place in a third consecutive OFC Women's Champions League Final.
Awaiting us in the Final was familiar opposition, Hekari United FC. The two sides have now met in the OFC Women's Champions League Final for three consecutive years, with each encounter proving to be a fiercely contested battle.
We made the perfect start, taking the lead inside the opening five minutes through a superb header from Alaina Granger following a well-worked set piece. Hekari responded to level the scores, but we regained the advantage just before half-time as Sasha Adamson produced a brilliant finish to send us into the break with a 2-1 lead.
Building on that momentum, we controlled the second half and added a third goal to put the result beyond doubt, securing a 3-1 victory and our third consecutive OFC Women's Champions League title.
It was a composed and clinical performance on the biggest stage, once again earning Auckland United a place at the 2027 FIFA Women's Champions Cup
Tournament Honours
Golden Ball & Golden Boot
Sasha Adamson capped off an outstanding tournament by claiming both the Golden Ball, awarded to the competition's best player, and the Golden Boot.
While officially credited with four goals, Sasha found the net on six occasions during the tournament, with two further finishes ultimately recorded as own goals.
Golden Glove
Charlotte Eagle was recognised as the tournament's outstanding goalkeeper, claiming the Golden Glove following another exceptional campaign between the posts, conceding only two goals across the whole tournament.
Player of the Match Awards
Several of our players were recognised with Player of the Match honours throughout the tournament.
Group Stage – Sasha Adamson
Group Stage – Talisha Green
Semi-Final – Olivia Ingham
Final – Alaina Granger
Alaina Granger's performance in the Final also marked a unique milestone, becoming the Player of the Match against Hekari United for the third consecutive OFC Women's Champions League campaign.
Looking Ahead
Our third consecutive OFC Women's Champions League title once again earns us a place on the world stage at the 2027 FIFA Women's Champions Cup.
Last year, our FIFA Women's Champions Cup journey ended in disappointment with defeat to Wuhan Jiangda Women's FC in the 88th minute. While the result wasn't what we had hoped for, it strengthened our resolve. We left Wuhan determined to earn another opportunity to compete against the world's best, and that is exactly what this team has achieved.
As Oceania's champions, we will now face AFC Women's Champions League winners Naegohyang Women's FC of North Korea, who secured the Asian title with victory over Tokyo Verdy Beleza in the AFC Women's Champions League Final.
The fixture is expected to be played later this year, with the official date and venue yet to be confirmed.
Before then, our focus returns to domestic football as we continue our campaigns in the NRFL Women's Premiership and Kate Sheppard Cup.
