Police Ladies will be fighting for survival this afternoon in Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire, when they take on Benin’s Sam Nelly in their second Group B fixture of the WAFU Zone B Women’s Champions League qualifiers.
After a shaky start to their continental campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Nigeria’s Bayelsa Queens last Sunday, the Ghana Women’s Premier League champions know that nothing short of victory will keep their qualification hopes alive.
The stakes could not be higher. Sam Nelly, buoyed by a 1-0 opening win over Togo’s ASKO, head into this tie with three points already on the board, meaning even a draw will keep them firmly in control of their destiny.
For Police Ladies, however, the equation is simple: win or risk an early exit.
High stakes
The Head Coach, Yusif Basigi, is no stranger to high-pressure scenarios on the continental stage. He famously guided Hasaacas Ladies to safety in a similar qualification dogfight back in 2021, and he is hoping that experience will inspire his Police side today.
“We have put ourselves in a tight corner with the outcome of our first game. It won’t be easy playing against Sam Nelly, who already have three points, and for whom a draw will be good enough."
"We need to claim our first three points to ease the pressure going into the final game, so we are going all out,” Basigi said on the eve of the clash.
For Police, the key area of concern is defence. Against Bayelsa Queens, they conceded twice before regrouping to pull one back through captain Mary Berko in the second half.
That response showed spirit, but lapses at the back cannot be repeated against a well-organised Sam Nelly side, who will be difficult to break down.
Confident captain
Captain Berko, however, remains upbeat about her side’s chances. “We remain positive that we will get the desired results from this second game. We have no choice but to win if we are to save our dream of playing on the big stage,” she insisted.
Police Ladies have the talent and pedigree to turn their fortunes around. Much will depend on how quickly they settle into the game, whether their defence can stay compact, and if their attackers can rediscover their sharpness in front of goal.
With Basigi’s tactical know-how and Berko’s leadership, the Ghanaian champions believe they can still rise to the occasion.
Today’s encounter is more than just a group match for three crucial points. It is also a test of resilience, character and ambition, as victory over Sam Nelly will throw Police Ladies back into contention.
Anything less could leave the Ghanaian side’s Champions League dream hanging by a thread.
