Nigerian champions Bayelsa Queens secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Burkina Faso’s USFA on Tuesday to reach the WAFU B Women’s Champions League final in Abidjan.
The result keeps alive their bid for a place in this year’s CAF Women’s Champions League.
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Bayelsa Queens, who swept through the group stage with three wins against Ghana’s Police Ladies, Benin’s Sam Nelly and Togo’s ASKO, entered the semi-final as favourites.
However, they were stunned inside two minutes when Comfort Yeboah fired USFA ahead at Stade Charles Konan Banny.
Coach Busari Ishola’s side reacted quickly. Forward Shakirat Moshood whipped in a dangerous cross that Emem Essien nodded home to restore parity before the 15th minute.
The equaliser settled nerves and gave the Queens renewed control of possession, although USFA remained resilient at the back.
Both sides traded chances in a fiercely contested first half, with Bayelsa struggling to convert dominance into goals.
USFA, who advanced from Group A with just one win, stayed organised and frustrated the Nigerian champions for long spells.
The breakthrough finally came just after the hour mark.
Janet Akekoromowei reacted sharply to a loose ball on the edge of the box and powered in the decisive strike.
The forward, who had looked dangerous all evening, sealed her team’s place in the final with that effort.
Despite late pressure from the Burkinabé side, Bayelsa’s defence held firm to protect the advantage and close out the win.
Ticket to the CAF Women’s Champions League at Stake
The victory booked Bayelsa Queens’ second appearance in the regional final.
They previously lifted the trophy in 2022 and now stand one win away from another CAF Women’s Champions League ticket.
They will face tournament hosts ASEC Mimosas, who thrashed Police Ladies 4-1 in the other semi-final, in Friday’s grand finale.
A win would hand the Nigerian champions passage to the continental showpiece later this year.
