CAFWCL – WAFU-B Zone: First round full of lessons

The group stage of the CAF Women’s Champions League (CAFWCL) qualifiers, WAFU-B zone, has concluded in Yamoussoukro. Adama Guira, the Director of Football Development of WAFU B Zone and the technical study group member, delivered a technical review that highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the participating teams.

Numbers that speak

Nine matches were played, producing a total of 27 goals – an average of three per game. Bayelsa Queens of Nigeria stood out as the best attack with nine goals, while ASEC Mimosas of Abidjan recorded the best defense, conceding just once. These statistics reflect the balance between attacking power and defensive organization that defined the competition.

Bayelsa Queens in control

The analysis first focused on the maturity and dominance of the Nigerian champions. “Bayelsa is a step above the other teams, both individually and collectively. Their 4-3-3 system is well-structured, with the number 12 as the midfield anchor and very sharp wide players, making them a solid and complete side,” he explained.

Police Ladies: Individual talent and flexibility

He then turned to Ghana’s Police Ladies, a team built on individual brilliance: “This is a side that plays more on individual quality than collective play, with technically gifted players. They alternated between 4-3-3 and 4-4-2, showing interesting tactical flexibility.” That adaptability allowed them to reach the semi-finals.

ASEC and the strength of the collective

ASEC Mimosas impressed with their discipline: “It is a collective that is hard to destabilize, with very few weaknesses. Even though winger Abibou stood out, the real strength lies in the team’s cohesion,” he added.

Sam Nelly, Asko and USFA

Sam Nelly of Benin relied heavily on their number 10, Romaine Gandonou, scorer of two goals, in a direct and fast style of play. Asko of Togo, despite showing offensive intent, struggled with defensive organization. USFA of Burkina Faso alternated between strong and weak performances: solid against AS Garde of Niger, but clearly outplayed by ASEC.

Two promising semifinals

In conclusion, the observer emphasized the quality of the upcoming fixtures: “We will have two very balanced and exciting semi-finals: ASEC Mimosas against Police Ladies, and Bayelsa Queens against USFA. This competition has been enjoyable to follow and confirms the progress of women’s football in the zone.”

With these matchups, WAFU-B is set to designate its finalists and further highlight the rise of women’s football in West Africa.

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