ASEC Mimosas Ladies sealed their place at the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League after defeating Bayelsa Queens 8-7 on penalties in a thrilling WAFU B final at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium, Yamoussoukro, on Friday.
Backed by a vociferous home crowd, the Ivorians struck first inside five minutes when Ami Diallo capitalised on poor defending to slot home from close range.
Bayelsa, winners of the inaugural regional crown in 2022, responded in the 18th minute through Emem Essien, who rose highest to head in Folajomi Olabiyi’s curling cross. It was her second successive game on the scoresheet following her semi-final strike against USFA.
Both teams battled fiercely in an end-to-end first half that ended 1-1, before Bayelsa came close to turning the game in their favour after the restart. Seimeyeha Akekoromowei forced a strong save from Nina Dabilgou in the 75th minute, while Shakirat Moshood tested the goalkeeper with a long-range free-kick six minutes later.
Despite sustained pressure from the Nigerian side, ASEC’s defence held firm, and the contest dragged into extra time. Bayelsa keeper Omini Monle produced a fine late double save in the 124th minute to deny the hosts, ensuring the game was decided by penalties.
In a nerve-wracking shootout, ASEC held their composure, converting eight of nine spot-kicks through Diallo, Gbehi, Dagba, Ouedraogo, Brou, Diarra and Aboa Yapo. Bayelsa matched them for much of the contest, with Moshood, Alexander, Akekoromowei, Iheoma, Mafisere, Ifeanyi and Oladeji all scoring.
However, misses from Sefiat Idris, who fired wide, and Sofiat Bankole, whose effort was saved, ultimately handed the Ivorians a historic 8-7 victory.
The triumph makes ASEC Mimosas the first Ivorian side to win the WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifiers. They will now represent the region at the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League.
For Bayelsa Queens, it was heartbreak once again as they were forced to settle for runners-up despite dominating spells of the final.
