NWFL Premiership champions, Bayelsa Queens, have secured a place in the semi-finals of the CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU B Qualifiers after a 3-0 win over ASKO FC of Togo in Côte d’Ivoire on Wednesday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Prosperity Girls remain unbeaten, following up their opening-day victory against Police Ladies with another commanding performance.
Head coach Busari Hakeem Ishola, appointed for this tournament, retained most of the starting lineup from the first game, making just two changes: Emem Essien and Alaba Olabiyi replaced Kafayat Mafisere and Sofiat Bankole.
Despite dominating possession in the first half, Bayelsa Queens struggled to break the deadlock. Monle Omini was alert in goal, comfortably dealing with the few chances created by ASKO, and the game remained goalless at halftime.
The breakthrough came shortly after the restart when Oumou Bani scored an own goal in the 47th minute, giving Bayelsa the lead. Alaba Olabiyi then doubled the advantage in the 53rd minute with a brilliant header from a precise cross by Janet Akekoromowei.
Shakirat Moshood sealed the victory in the 80th minute, scoring her second goal of the tournament with a stunning left-footed finish from a long ball over the top by Sefiat Idris.
In midfield, Vera Samuel commanded the game, dictating the pace and driving her team forward, a performance that earned her the Player of the Match award.
With this win, Bayelsa Queens secure their spot in the semi-finals with one group game to spare, underlining their ambition of returning to the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.
