ASEC Mimosas Ladies Triumph Over Bayelsa Queens on Penalties to Qualify for 2025 WAFU B Women’s Champions League

ASEC Mimosas Ladies Triumph Over Bayelsa Queens on Penalties to Qualify for 2025 WAFU B Women’s Champions League

By BSN Sports

ASEC Mimosas Ladies clinched the 2025 WAFU B Women’s Champions League after edging Bayelsa Queens 8-7 on penalties in a thrilling final held at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium on Friday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The home side took an early lead in front of a passionate crowd, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Bayelsa Queens in the fifth minute. A well-executed throw-in found Ami Diallo, who reacted fastest to finish from close range, giving ASEC an early advantage.

Bayelsa Queens, the 2025 Nigeria Women's Football League champions, responded swiftly through Emem Essien in the 18th minute. Folajomi Olabiyi’s relentless work on the flank won possession, and her curling cross found Essien, who rose above defenders to head past ASEC goalkeeper Nina Dabilgou. This marked Essien’s second consecutive game scoring with a header after her semi-final goal against USFA.

The remainder of the first half saw both teams exchanging pressure, but neither could find the breakthrough, and the score remained locked at 1-1 at halftime.

In the second half, Bayelsa pushed for a winning goal. Seimeyeha Akekoromowei tested Dabilgou with a powerful strike in the 75th minute, followed by a 30-yard free-kick from Shakirat Moshood that forced another sharp save. Akekoromowei’s attempt to capitalize on the rebound was ruled a foul on the goalkeeper. Despite sustained pressure, ASEC’s defense stood firm, and regular time ended in a stalemate.

Extra time mirrored the tense nature of the match, with both teams unable to break the deadlock. A crucial save from Bayelsa’s Omini Monle in the 124th minute denied ASEC a late winner, preserving the chance of a shootout.

The penalty shootout became a test of nerves and composure. ASEC converted eight of nine attempts, with captain N’Guessan’s leadership evident as Diallo, Gbehi, Dagba, Ouedraogo, Brou, Noura Diarra, and Aboa Yapo all scored during sudden death.

Bayelsa matched ASEC shot for shot early on, with Moshood, Alexander, Akekoromowei, Chinyere Iheoma, and Kafayat Mafisere all converting. Kindness Ifeanyi and Oluwabunmi Oladeji also scored, despite goalkeeper Dabilgou getting a hand to one of the shots. However, misses by Sefiat Idris (wide) and Sofiat Bankole (saved) ultimately proved decisive, handing ASEC Mimosas Ladies a hard-fought victory.