ASEC Mimosas Ladies have secured the 2025 WAFU B Women’s Champions League ticket after a thrilling 8-7 penalty shootout victory over Nigeria’s Bayelsa Queens in the final at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium, Yamoussoukro, on Friday.
Backed by a packed home crowd, ASEC struck early when Ami Diallo capitalized on a defensive lapse in the fifth minute to hand the Ivorians the lead.
Bayelsa, winners of the inaugural WAFU B crown in 2022, responded in the 18th minute through Emem Essien, who headed in Folajomi Olabiyi’s curling cross for her second goal in as many games.
Both sides traded chances in a high-tempo contest, with Bayelsa nearly going ahead in the second half.
Seimeyeha Akekoromowei forced a sharp save from goalkeeper Nina Dabilgou before Shakirat Moshood tested her again from a long-range free-kick.
Despite Bayelsa’s sustained pressure, ASEC held firm to force extra time, where the deadlock persisted.
The drama peaked in the shootout, where ASEC held their nerve. Captain N’Guessan led by example as Diallo, Gbehi, Dagba, Ouedraogo, Brou, Diarra, and Yapo all converted in sudden death.
Bayelsa matched them through Moshood, Alexander, Akekoromowei, Iheoma, Mafisere, Ifeanyi, and Oladeji, but costly misses from Sefiat Idris and Sofiat Bankole handed ASEC an 8-7 victory.
The triumph makes ASEC Mimosas the first Ivorian side to win the WAFU B Women’s Champions League Championship.
Thus booking their place in the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League.
For Bayelsa Queens, the defeat marks another heartbreak, as the Prosperity Girls missed the chance to return to the continental stage after their historic 2022 triumph.
The CAF Women Champions League trophy remains elusive for Nigerian club sides five seasons into its inauguration.
