ASEC Mimosas Ladies have secured the 2025 WAFU B Women’s Champions League ticket after edging Bayelsa Queens 8-7 on penalties in a dramatic final at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium, Yamoussoukro, on Friday.
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Backed by a packed home crowd, ASEC made a perfect start when Bayelsa’s defence switched off in the fifth minute. A throw-in from the right was delivered across the box, sailing over Oluwabunmi Oladeji and Florence Alexander, before Ami Diallo reacted quickest to slot home from close range.
Bayelsa, champions of the inaugural regional crown in 2022, responded in the 18th minute through Emem Essien. Folajomi Olabiyi’s persistence on the flank won a loose ball, and her curling cross picked out Essien, who rose amid a cluster of yellow shirts to head past goalkeeper Nina Dabilgou. It was Essien’s second consecutive headed goal, having also scored against USFA in the semi-final.
The equaliser set up a frenetic end to the first half, but both sides went into the break level at 1-1.
In the second half, Bayelsa came close to taking the lead. Seimeyeha Akekoromowei burst down the left in the 75th minute, drawing a strong save from Dabilgou, before Shakirat Moshood forced the Ivorian goalkeeper into another parry from a 30-yard free-kick six minutes later. Akekoromowei tried to pounce on the rebound but was penalised for a foul.
Despite sustained pressure from Hakeem Busari’s side, ASEC held firm, and the game remained tied after 90 minutes.
Extra time produced few chances, with Bayelsa goalkeeper Omini Monle making a crucial save in the 124th minute to deny a long-range effort before palming away the resulting corner — the last action before penalties.
In the shootout, ASEC converted eight of their nine kicks with composure. Diallo, Gbehi, Dagba, Ouedraogo, and Brou all scored, while Noura Diarra and Aboa Yapo sealed victory deep into sudden death.
Bayelsa matched them early on, with Moshood, Alexander, Akekoromowei, Chinyere Iheoma, and Kafayat Mafisere all successful. Kindness Ifeanyi squeezed hers in despite Dabilgou’s touch, and Oladeji also converted. But misses from Sefiat Idris, who fired wide, and Sofiat Bankole, who was denied, proved costly as the Prosperity Girls fell short 8-7.
The victory 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.
Bayelsa Queens, meanwhile, are left to rue missed chances and settle for second place, falling just short of a continental return.
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