ASEC Mimosas Ladies booked their place at the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League after edging Nigeria’s Bayelsa Queens 8-7 on penalties in a pulsating WAFU B Women’s Champions League final at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium, Yamoussoukro, on Friday.

Backed by a roaring home crowd, ASEC struck early when Bayelsa’s defence switched off in the fifth minute. A throw-in was floated across the box, sailing over Oluwabunmi Oladeji and Florence Alexander, before Ami Diallo pounced to slot home from close range.

Bayelsa, champions of the inaugural edition in 2022, responded in the 18th minute through Emem Essien. Folajomi Olabiyi battled to win a loose ball on the flank and delivered a curling cross that Essien met with a towering header past goalkeeper Nina Dabilgou. It was Essien’s second headed goal in as many games, having also scored in the semi-final win over USFA.

The equaliser sparked a frantic end to the first half, but both sides went into the break locked at 1-1.

Bayelsa looked the likelier to break the deadlock after the restart. In the 75th minute, Janet Akekoromowei burst down the left and drew a sharp save from Dabilgou. Minutes later, Shakirat Moshood forced the Ivorian keeper into another stop with a long-range free-kick, though Akekoromowei was flagged for a foul as she attempted to follow up.

Despite sustained pressure from Hakeem Busari’s side, ASEC’s defence held firm. Extra time also failed to separate the teams, with Bayelsa keeper Omini Monle producing a crucial double save in the 124th minute to deny a fierce strike and the resulting corner.

The match was decided by penalties, where composure proved key. ASEC converted eight of their nine spot-kicks, with captain N’Guessan leading by example and teammates Diallo, Gbehi, Dagba, Ouedraogo, Brou, Diarra and Aboa Yapo all holding their nerve in sudden death.

Bayelsa matched them in the early rounds of the shootout as Moshood, Alexander, Akekoromowei, Iheoma, Mafisere, Ifeanyi and Oladeji all scored. But costly misses from Sefiat Idris, who fired wide, and Sofiat Bankole, who saw her effort saved, handed the Ivorians victory.

The triumph marks history for ASEC Mimosas, who became the first Ivorian side to win the WAFU B qualifiers and will now fly the region’s flag at the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League.