Bayelsa Queens Edge Police Ladies in Women’s Champions League Qualifiers
Bayelsa Queens of Nigeria got their CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU B Qualifiers campaign off to a winning start with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ghana’s Police Ladies in their Group B opener at the Charles Kona Banny Stadium.
The much-anticipated clash between the Ghanaian and Nigerian sides lived up to expectations, with intensity and physical battles across the pitch. Bayelsa Queens made their presence felt early, relying on a physical forward line that consistently troubled the Police Ladies’ backline.
The Nigerian side struck twice through Shakirat Moshood and Emem Essien in the 12th and 62nd minute respectively. Mary Berko scored the consolation for Police Ladies.
For Ghana’s representatives, the result was a disappointing start, but head coach Yusif Basigi admitted the game was a huge learning experience.
“It was like a final because Ghana and Nigeria were involved,” he reflected after the match.
Bayelsa Queens head coach Busari Hakeem credited his side’s success to deliberate tactical planning. He explained that the key was to neutralise the strength of Police Ladies by employing a tall, physical forward, blocking the Ghanaian centre-backs from advancing, and congesting the midfield to stifle creativity. His approach paid off, as the Nigerians dominated key moments of the match to secure all three points.
Despite the defeat, Police Ladies will look to bounce back strongly in their remaining group fixtures, while Bayelsa Queens will be eager to build momentum in their bid to qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League finals later this year.
