The Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, witnessed a dramatic showdown as ASEC Mimosas Ladies secured their spot in the 2025 WAFU B Women’s Champions League. Facing off against the defending champions, Bayelsa Queens of Nigeria, the home side triumphed 8-7 in a thrilling penalty shootout after a hard-fought 120 minutes of play ended in a 1-1 stalemate. The electrifying atmosphere generated by the capacity crowd propelled ASEC Mimosas to an early lead, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Bayelsa Queens just five minutes into the game.
ASEC Mimosas’ early dominance began with a perfectly executed play. A seemingly innocuous throw-in from the right flank was launched across the Bayelsa penalty area, bypassing the outstretched arms of defenders Oluwabunmi Oladeji and Florence Alexander. Ami Diallo, displaying sharp instincts and agility, capitalized on the defensive error, pouncing on the loose ball and slotting it home from close range, sending the Ivorian crowd into a frenzy. However, Bayelsa Queens, demonstrating the resilience that propelled them to the inaugural regional title in 2022, responded swiftly. In the 18th minute, Folajomi Olabiyi’s tenacious effort on the flank yielded possession, culminating in a perfectly weighted cross that found the head of Emem Essien. Rising above a cluster of ASEC Mimosas defenders, Essien directed a powerful header past goalkeeper Nina Dabilgou, restoring parity to the scoreline. This marked Essien’s second consecutive game finding the back of the net with a header, replicating her scoring prowess from the semi-final against USFA.
The equalizer injected a frenetic energy into the remaining minutes of the first half, with both teams exchanging attacking forays and creating opportunities. However, neither side could break the deadlock, and the teams retreated to the dressing rooms with the score locked at 1-1. The second half saw Bayelsa Queens applying significant pressure, pushing for the go-ahead goal. Seimeyeha Akekoromowei, a constant threat down the left flank, tested Dabilgou with a powerful strike in the 75th minute, forcing a crucial save from the Ivorian goalkeeper. Minutes later, Shakirat Moshood unleashed a venomous free-kick from 30 yards out, which Dabilgou parried away. Akekoromowei attempted to capitalize on the rebound but was penalized for a foul on the goalkeeper, denying Bayelsa Queens a potential game-changing opportunity.
Despite the sustained pressure exerted by Hakeem Busari’s Bayelsa Queens, ASEC Mimosas’ defense remained resolute, repelling wave after wave of attacks. As the regulation 90 minutes concluded, the score remained unchanged, necessitating extra time to determine the victor. The additional 30 minutes mirrored the intense back-and-forth action of the previous periods. Both teams battled tirelessly, but clear-cut chances remained elusive. In a pivotal moment in the 124th minute, Bayelsa Queens’ goalkeeper, Omini Monle, produced a stunning save to deny a long-range effort from ASEC Mimosas, preserving the tie. Monle further demonstrated her shot-stopping prowess by palming away the ensuing corner kick, marking the final significant action of the match and sending the contest to a penalty shootout.
The ensuing penalty shootout was a nerve-wracking affair, showcasing both the composure and the fragility of the players under immense pressure. ASEC Mimosas displayed remarkable accuracy, converting eight of their nine attempts. Captain N’Guessan led by example, inspiring her teammates to maintain their composure. Diallo, Gbehi, Dagba, Ouedraogo, and Brou all found the back of the net, while Noura Diarra and Aboa Yapo sealed the victory deep into sudden death. Bayelsa Queens matched ASEC Mimosas stride for stride initially, with Moshood, Alexander, Akekoromowei, Chinyere Iheoma, and Kafayat Mafisere successfully converting their penalties. Kindness Ifeanyi managed to squeeze her penalty past Dabilgou, despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the ball. Oladeji also confidently converted her spot-kick. However, crucial misses from Sefiat Idris, whose shot sailed wide, and Sofiat Bankole, whose attempt was denied by Dabilgou, ultimately proved decisive, condemning Bayelsa Queens to a heartbreaking 8-7 defeat in the shootout.
The victory for ASEC Mimosas marks a historic moment for Ivorian women’s football. They become the first club from the nation to clinch the WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifiers, earning the coveted spot to represent the region at the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League. For Bayelsa Queens, the loss stings, marking a second consecutive year of falling short in their quest for a continental return. The Nigerian champions are left to rue missed opportunities and contemplate what could have been, as they relinquish their regional crown and watch their rivals celebrate a hard-fought victory on home soil.
