BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands champions Henderson Eels FC have been handed a challenging Group A draw for the OFC Women’s Champions League 2026, following the official draw in Auckland on Monday.
The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) confirmed that the tournament will be hosted in Solomon Islands from June 26 to July 9, with matches set to be played at Lawson Tama Stadium and the National Stadium.
Henderson Eels will line up against regional heavyweights Hekari Women FC, Fiji’s Ba Women FC and Vanuatu’s Tafea FC in what shapes as one of the toughest pools of the competition.
In Group B, defending champions Auckland United FC will face Drehu Athletico Club and the yet-to-be-decided qualifying winner.
“OFC confirmed the draw at its Home of Football – Te Kahu o Kiwa in Auckland,” the confederation said in a statement.
Seven teams will contest the championship, split into two groups, with the top two sides from each pool progressing to the semi-finals.
The qualifying tournament, scheduled for April 21–27 in the Cook Islands, will feature Puaikura FC, Nukuhetulu FC and PanSa FC, with only the winner advancing to the main draw.
Match schedules released by OFC show Henderson Eels will open their campaign against Ba Women FC before taking on Tafea FC and then Hekari Women FC in crucial group fixtures.
The 2026 edition marks the fourth staging of the competition since its inception in 2023. Auckland United FC enter as two-time defending champions, while AS Academy Féminine claimed the inaugural title.
With home advantage and growing support for women’s football in Solomon Islands, Henderson Eels will be aiming to go beyond their 2025 semi-final finish and mount a serious title challenge on home soil.
Photo: OFC
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