Police Ladies endured a difficult start to their WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifying campaign, falling 2-1 to Nigerian champions Bayelsa Queens on Sunday afternoon at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium.
The Ghanaian champions, making their debut in the competition, were undone by two goals inside 65 minutes. Shakirat Moshood opened the scoring in the 12th minute before substitute Emem Essien doubled Bayelsa’s advantage midway through the second half.
Police Ladies pulled one back when captain Mary Berko reacted quickest after Sarah Nyarko’s strike rattled the crossbar, but the late lifeline wasn’t enough as Bayelsa held firm to secure all three points.
In the group’s other fixture, Benin’s Sam Nelly beat Togo’s ASKO, leaving Police Ladies with crucial back-to-back matches to keep their semi-final hopes alive. Their next test comes against Sam Nelly on Wednesday, August 27.
Competing in the tournament for the first time since its inception in 2021, Police Ladies are chasing history as they bid to become the third Ghanaian side to lift the title.