Bayelsa Queens’ dream of returning to the CAF Women’s Champions League ended in heartbreak on Friday as they lost 8-7 on penalties to ASEC Mimosas in the WAFU B Women’s Champions League final at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium, Yamoussoukro.
Bayelsa Queens, winners of the inaugural regional crown in 2022, showed character after falling behind early. A defensive lapse allowed ASEC’s Ami Diallo to fire home in the fifth minute, giving the hosts a flying start.
But the Nigerian women’s football club responded swiftly through Emem Essien, who continued her fine form by heading in Folajomi Olabiyi’s cross in the 18th minute. The equaliser, her second header in as many matches, restored belief for Hakeem Busari’s team.
The Prosperity Girls pushed hard in the second half, with Seimeyeha Akekoromowei and Shakirat Moshood both forcing crucial saves from Ivorian goalkeeper Nina Dabilgou. Akekoromowei thought she had a rebound chance late on, only to be penalised for a foul on the keeper.
Despite sustained pressure, the breakthrough never came. The contest dragged into extra time, where Bayelsa again looked threatening, but Omini Monle’s late save for ASEC denied them at the death.
The shootout proved decisive. Bayelsa held their nerve initially, with Moshood, Alexander, Akekoromowei, Chinyere Iheoma and Kafayat Mafisere converting. Kindness Ifeanyi squeezed hers past Dabilgou, and Oladeji also scored.
However, costly misses from Sefiat Idris, who shot wide, and Sofiat Bankole, whose effort was saved, swung the tie in ASEC’s favour. The Ivorians held firm and edged out the Prosperity Girls 8-7 to claim the region’s sole ticket to the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League.
It was a bitter blow for Bayelsa Queens, who had entered the competition to return to the continent. Instead, they were left to reflect on missed chances and a painful runners-up finish.
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