Bayelsa Queens moved a step closer to reaching the group stages of the CAF Women’s Champions League following a 2-1 comeback win over USFA of Burkina Faso in the semi-final of the WAFU Zone B qualifiers on Tuesday, Afrosport reports.
The Nigerian champions rallied from an early setback at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro to reach the tournament’s final, where they will play Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas.
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BAYELSA QFC 🇳🇬2️⃣-1️⃣🇧🇫 USFA
🏟️ Stade charles Konan Banny #ZONEOUESTB | @CAFwomen pic.twitter.com/3Hg8A9pDHT— ZONE OUEST B (@UfoawafuB) September 2, 2025
USFA broke the deadlock early on, as Comfort Yeboah stunned Bayelsa Queens with a goal inside two minutes. The forward benefitted from a defensive mix-up to put the Burkinabès ahead.
The Prosperity Girls, however, were unfazed by the early goal, as they continued to ask questions of USFA’s defence. They eventually found a breakthrough, and Emem Essien scored the equaliser with a thumping header in the 15th minute.
The second half restarted with coach Hakeem Buhari making some needed changes, which raised the intensity levels for the Nigerian side.
It paid off, as Bayelsa found the winner in the 62nd minute through Janet Akekoromowei. The Flamingos striker calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper and was eventually named Player of the Match.
The result ensured the Prosperity Girls set up a final clash with ASEC Mimosas, who thrashed Ghana’s Police Ladies 4-1 in the other semi-final.
“It was a very psychological game,” said Buhari. “We had studied our opponents, who play directly and with a lot of energy. The key for us was to remain focused and manage the mental side of the contest. We asked the players not to be unsettled by USFA’s intensity and physicality.
“The final against ASEC will be tough, especially with their home crowd behind them, but we know what to expect and will prepare thoroughly for the challenge.”
Bayelsa Queens will be aiming for a second title, having lifted the trophy on their debut in 2022. The final is scheduled for Friday, and the winner will secure a spot at this year’s CAF Women’s Champions League group
