Stade Charles Konan Banny, Yamoussoukro will host a high-stakes clash this evening as Bayelsa Queens take on ASKO Koza of Togo in Matchday 2 of Group B at the CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU Zone B qualifiers.
Road So Far
• Bayelsa Queens made a winning start to their campaign, edging Ghana Police Ladies 2–1 in their opening fixture. Goals from Moshood Shakirat and Essien Emem sealed the victory, with midfield general Vera Samuel earning praise for her tireless work in the engine room.
• ASKO Kara, participating in the WAFU qualifiers for the second time, stumbled on the opening day, losing 1–0 to Sam Nelly of Benin Republic. That result leaves them under pressure going into today’s game.
Tournament Stakes
• A win for Bayelsa Queens will secure their spot in the semifinals with one match to spare.
• Defeat for ASKO Kara would leave their hopes of advancing hanging by a thread, putting them on the brink of elimination.
History & Pedigree
• Bayelsa Queens are no strangers to the big stage, having lifted the WAFU Zone B title in 2022 and gone on to claim a historic third-place finish at the CAF Women’s Champions League finals in Morocco that same year.
• ASKO Kara are returning for their second appearance at this level, eager to prove their growth and avoid an early exit after their narrow Matchday 1 defeat.
Key Player to Watch – Vera Samuel
Once again, the spotlight will be on Vera Samuel, whose combativeness in midfield has already set the tone for Bayelsa’s campaign. After the opening victory, she praised her teammates’ resilience against Ghana Police Ladies while stressing that the team is focused on sealing qualification as quickly as possible.
“We know what is at stake. A win today takes us into the semifinals, and we are ready to give everything to make it happen,” she said ahead of the clash.
Match Outlook
• Bayelsa Queens: Come in with momentum, goalscoring threats in Shakirat and Emem, and tournament experience.
• ASKO Kara: Fighting to stay alive in Group B; expect them to come out stronger, knowing defeat would almost certainly end their campaign.
Kickoff
• Fixture: Bayelsa Queens (Nigeria) vs ASKO Kara (Togo)
• Competition: CAF Women’s Champions League – WAFU Zone B Qualifiers, Group B, Matchday 2
• Venue: Stade Charles Konan Banny, Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire
• Stakes: Bayelsa qualify with a win; ASKO risk elimination with a loss.
