Bayelsa Queens might once have relished the challenge of resisting an opponent like AS FAR, but reaching the CAF Women’s Champions League’s finals will require a performance not yet seen from them in this year’s competition.
The WAFU-B champions got their maiden campaign off a disappointing note, losing 2-1 to holders Mamelodi Sundowns, before overpowering TP Mazembe and Wadi Degla 2-0 and 3-0 respectively to set up a semi-final date with the host club.
Following their bounce back, Domo Okara admits he is looking forward to a difficult match, stressing that they are eager to replicate their inch-perfect defence, relentless work ethic and knack for grinding down even the most assured, attacking sides.
“We know how difficult it is to play with the host, notwithstanding we are going to give our best to make sure we qualify for the finals. We respect the Moroccan team, they have very good coaches,” Okara said at the pre-match press conference.
“I have watched all their games closely, because before now and when we lost our first game I believe we could finish second and we would meet them in the semi-finals. My mind has been there all along and when watching, I take a close watch and see how I can get out of it.
“It has happened, it is now a reality and my take is we are going to give our best and I believe it will be good enough. They are a very good side but we are going to capitalise on our little advantage. I respect the Moroccan team but we will give our best.”
When asked about coping with pressure from home fans, he said: It is a normal thing, even if it was hosted in Nigeria, and we have the home support, though they have the home support, the supporters won’t come into the field to play for them.
“It is eleven against eleven, but with little advantage, and we will see how we can shun the crowd and face our job, we will not pay attention to that, I believe we are going to have a good game.”
On her part, forward Juliet Sunday is certain about her teammates’ readiness for the Moroccans, while opening up on the individual targets she set to still achieve in the ongoing competition.
“We have trained hard and I believe we are fully prepared. My best is yet to come, we were losing a lot of chances because we hesitated too much, most times before the ball I am so excited to score, that is the reason,” Sunday explains.
“My team had worked on that, to be patient and score the goal, with the patience and training we’ve had now, we are going to convert our chances.
“My aim and what I look to achieve in this competition is to win the trophy and also to be given the woman of the tournament. I am hopeful and believe it will come to pass.”
Source: Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF)