Bayelsa Queens came from behind to beat Burkina Faso’s USFA 2-1 on Tuesday and secure a place in the final of the WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifiers.
The Nigerian champions went into the semi-final as strong favourites after winning all their group games against Ghana’s Police Ladies, Benin’s Sam Nelly, and Togo’s ASKO.
However, USFA gave them a big shock by scoring just two minutes into the match, with Comfort Yeboah putting the Burkinabé side ahead. USFA had only won one game in the group stage but still made it through to the semi-finals behind hosts ASEC Mimosas.
Despite the early goal, Bayelsa Queens quickly responded. Star striker Shakirat Moshood sent in a great cross, which Emem Essien headed in to equalise before the 15-minute mark.
The rest of the game was tightly contested, with USFA defending well and making it hard for Bayelsa to score again. But just after the hour, Janet Akekoromowei took advantage of a loose ball at the edge of the box and smashed in the winning goal. She had several other chances and was one of the standout players.
USFA tried to find an equaliser, but Bayelsa Queens stayed strong and held on until the final whistle.
The win puts Bayelsa Queens into the final of the competition for the second time. They won the title in 2022 and are now hoping to win it again and book a spot in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
They will face tournament hosts ASEC Mimosas in the final on Friday in Abidjan. ASEC reached the final after a 4-1 win over Police Ladies.
A win for Bayelsa Queens in the final would send them to the main CAF Women’s Champions League tournament.