CAFWCL WAFU-B: Early lessons and emerging trends

The WAFU-B regional qualifying tournament for the CAF Women’s Champions League (CAFWCL) officially kicked off on 23 August at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro. After two matchdays, the competition is already taking shape, revealing both expected confirmations and promising surprises.

In the opening fixture, ASEC Mimosas lived up to their billing against AS Garde Nationale of Niger. Inspired by a brace from Habibou Ouédraogo, the Ivorians secured a 2-1 win, despite spirited resistance from the Nigeriens. In this three-team Group A, USFA of Burkina Faso, who sat out the first round, remain in contention. The showdown between the Burkinabè and the Nigeriens, scheduled for Matchday 2, is expected to reveal the true balance of power in this tight group.

In Group B, on 24 August, Bayelsa Queens made a convincing debut. The Nigerians defeated Ghana’s Police Ladies 2-1, showcasing their attacking efficiency but also leaving some defensive concerns. On the same day, Sam Nelly FC of Benin claimed a historic 1-0 victory over Togo’s ASKO Kara, thanks to a strike from Romaine Gandonou. This result places the Beninese side level on points with the Nigerian favourites, both sitting on three points at the end of the first round.

An analysis of these results already allows for some early predictions. In Group A, ASEC Mimosas look well positioned to reach the semi-finals, although USFA still have the ability to disrupt the hierarchy. AS Garde Nationale, despite their fighting spirit, appear too limited to compete consistently at this level. Group B, by contrast, promises to be far more competitive. Bayelsa Queens remain favourites, but Sam Nelly, with their energy and defensive discipline, could well spring a surprise. Police Ladies, beaten in their opener, must bounce back quickly while ASKO Kara already find themselves with no margin for error.

The rest of the competition promises to be thrilling. The direct clashes scheduled for the second and third rounds should help clarify the hierarchy in both groups.

Recap:

Group A

• ASEC Mimosas 2–1 AS GNN

Group B

• Bayelsa Queens 2–1 Police Ladies
• ASKO Kara 0–1 Sam Nelly

Standings

Group A

• ASEC Mimosas (3 pts)
• USFA (0 pt)
• AS Garde Nationale (0 pt)

Group B

• Bayelsa Queens (3 pts)
• Sam Nelly FC (3 pts)
• Police Ladies (0 pt)
• ASKO Kara (0 pt)

Matchday 2 Fixtures

26 August 2025 – Group A

• AS Garde Nationale vs USFA – 15:00 GMT

27 August 2025 – Group B

• ASKO Kara vs Bayelsa Queens FC
• Police Ladies vs Sam Nelly FC

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