WAFU B: ASEC stun Bayelsa in final to clinch CL spot News

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WAFU B: ASEC stun Bayelsa in final to clinch CL spot

By Daily Sports Nigeria on September 6, 2025

ASEC Mimosas Ladies claimed 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, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The hosts were roared on by a packed crowd and made a perfect start when Bayelsa’s defence switched off in the fifth minute.

A throw-in from the right was swung across the box, sailing over Oluwabunmi Oladeji and Florence Alexander, and Ami Diallo reacted quickest to finish from close range and hand ASEC the early advantage.

Bayelsa, champions of the inaugural regional crown in 2022, hit back through Emem Essien in the 18th minute.

Folajomi Olabiyi’s persistence on the flank won her 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 game on the scoresheet with a header, having also struck against USFA in the semi-final.

The equaliser set up a frenetic end of the first half, with both teams trading pressure, but the interval arrived with the scores level at 1-1.

Bayelsa came close to turning the tie on its head in the second half. Seimeyeha Akekoromowei burst down the left and drew a strong save from Dabilgou in the 75th minute, 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 on the keeper.

Despite sustained pressure from Hakeem Busari’s side, ASEC held firm, and the contest remained deadlocked after 90 minutes.

Both sides cancelled each other out in extra time, with Bayelsa’s Omini Monle producing a vital stop in the 124th minute to deny a long-range ASEC strike before palming away the ensuing corner, which proved the final action of the match.

The final went to penalties, where nerves told. ASEC converted eight of their nine attempts, with captain N’Guessan’s side showing remarkable composure. Diallo, Gbehi, Dagba, Ouedraogo and Brou all scored, while Noura Diarra and Aboa Yapo sealed the win deep into sudden death.

Bayelsa matched them stride for stride early in the shootout, with Moshood, Alexander, Akekoromowei, Chinyere Iheoma and Kafayat Mafisere all successful.

Kindness Ifeanyi squeezed hers in despite Dabilgou getting a hand, and Oladeji also converted. But misses from Sefiat Idris, who shot wide, and Sofiat Bankole, who was denied, proved decisive as the Prosperity Girls fell short 8-7.

The victory means ASEC Mimosas become the first Ivorian side to win the WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifiers, and they will now represent the region at the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League.

Bayelsa, meanwhile, are left to rue missed chances and a second-place finish, having once again fallen short of a continental return.

Source Punch Ng

Posted September 6, 2025