Hekari United FC's Nelson Karaun and Central Coast FC's Hudson Oreinima. OFC Men's Champions League 2025, Hekari United FC v Central Coast FC, National Stadium, Honiara, Monday 31 March 2025. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.nz
There were wins for Vanuatu's Ifira Black Bird and PNG's Hekari United in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Champions League on Monday.
The tournament teams have each won their respective country's national league to make it to this competition.
New Zealand's Auckland City FC are the defending champions.
Hekari United beat Solomon Islands club Central Coast FC in their own backyard, winning 3-0 on Monday.
Earlier, Ifira Black Bird beat Tupapa Maraerenga FC from the Cook Islands 3-0.
The other side of the draw - Group A - played their opening matches on Sunday.
Tiga Sport from New Caledonia beat Fiji's Rewa FC 4-2, with Mickaël Partodikromo slotting home from the penalty spot to open the scoring in the 14th minute.
Defending champions Auckland City started their campaign with a 1-0 win over AS Pirae from Tahiti.
But the result could have been different after referee Ben Aukwai awarded the Tahitian side a penalty in the second half.
Nikko Boxall was penalised for an arm to a defender's face inside the box as he chased a pass, but Auckland goalkeeper Nathan Garrow saved the penalty attempt.
Matches continue on Wednesday - Rewa FC is facing AS Pirae and Auckland City is up against Tiga Sport.
Group B games return on Thursday.
The teams are aiming for the final on 12 April and a spot in the 2026 FIFA Club World Cup.
