Espoir reach WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifier semi-finals
Published:
Espoir FC of Benin sealed their place in the semi-finals of the WAFU B zonal qualifier of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League following their 2-1 victory over AS Police of Niger on Tuesday night.
A brace by Adjouvi Zinsou helped her side to advance from Group A of the tournament being played at the Stade Yamoussoukro in Cote d'Ivoire.
Zinsou scored the winner at the death in an eventful final 10 minutes to secure the win and a place in the last four for her club.
A gut-wrenching victory started with her strike in the 21st minute after AS Police initially held off their opponents before giving in.
Zinsou took advantage of the generosity of the hosts' defense to open the scoring, showing her power as found the net.
The Nigeriens had the chance to restore parity on 33 minutes when they had a penalty after an attacker was fouled in the box. It did not materialize as goalkeeper Diane Finagnon saved the resultant penalty kick by Candida Quarshe.
The two sides returned from the break determined to win the match with most of the opportunities coming to AS Police who took the game to their opponents.
They were rewarded for their resilience in the 82nd minute when captain Falmata Mamadou calmly slotted home from a goalmouth melee
The joy of the Nigeriennes was short lived as Zinsou snatched the winner as the referee prepared to blow the final whistle sparking wild jubilation for the Beninoises.
Espoir advance to the semi-final where they will face home side Africa sports on Friday while AS Police are eliminated from the tournament at the group stage just like the previous competition last year.
