CAFWCL WAFU-B: Bayelsa Queens advance, second place still up for grabs in Group B

Nigeria’s Bayelsa Queens defeated ASKO Kara 3-0 on Wednesday at the Lycée Scientifique in Yamoussoukro, in the second round of Group B fixtures of the CAF Women’s Champions League (CAFWCL) qualifying. This victory secures the Nigerians a place in the semifinals while ASKO, already beaten 1-0 by Benin’s Sam Nelly in their opening match, are eliminated.

The first half ended goalless. Bayelsa dominated possession and created opportunities, but the Togolese defence held firm.

The match opened up straight after the restart. Bayelsa broke the deadlock in the 46th minute with an own goal from ASKO. Three minutes later, Sefiat Peyemi Idriss doubled the lead (49’). In the 81st minute, Shakirat Abidemi Moshood sealed the 3-0 victory.

This second defeat means elimination for ASKO, who will play their final match only to salvage pride.

At the post-match press conference, Nigerian coach Busari Hakeem Ishola highlighted the impact of the tactical change that led to victory:

“In the first half, we struggled to create chances. In the second, we switched to a 4-2 formation with a striker dropping deep to collect the ball. After the first goal, the game opened up and we were able to score.”

Already crowned champions in 2022, Bayelsa Queens are once again making their ambitions clear.

“We are going game by game, underestimating no opponent. The objective is to go and win the trophy,” concluded the coach.

The other match between Police Ladies of Ghana and Sam Nelly of Benin ended in a 3-1 victory for the Ghanaians. This revives the race in Group B, even if the chances are slim for Togo’s Asko. For the moment, Bayelsa are top of the group with 6 six points. They are followed by Police Ladies of Ghana on 3 points. Sam Nelly also have 3 points. Asko of Kara are last with 0 point.

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