For its inaugural edition, the Women’s Football League went all out by moving its final to Abidjan. After a valuable league victory in the Classique (2–1), our Parisian side flew to the Ivorian capital on Thursday to prepare for their final against OL Lyonnes. At the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, the Rouge et Bleu were hoping to win their first trophy of the season in front of a sold-out crowd that included several hundred members of the Côte d'Ivoire Fan Club.
Griedge Mbock made her return to the starting line-up for the game after recovering from injury midweek, partnering Thiniba Samoura in central defence in front of Mary Earps in goal. Elisa De Almeida and Olga Carmona took up positions at full-back. In midfield, Anaïs Ebayilin formed a central midfield partnership with Jackie Groenen, whilst Sakina Karchaoui played a bit further forward, with Merveille Kanjinga on her right and Tara Elimbi Gilbert on her left. There were no changes up front, with Romée Leuchter starting.
Right from the start, both sides pushed forward quickly and showed plenty of ambition in this final. Whilst the Parisians looked to build their play patiently on the ground, Lyon focused more on making the difference from set pieces. The Rouge et Bleu defence was alert and managed to clear the opposition’s crosses (4', 17', 32').
In a very evenly matched first half, the biggest moment came from OL Lyonnes, who managed to open the scoring with their first shot on target, courtesy of Tabitha Chawinga. The joy was short-lived, however, as the referee rightly disallowed the goal for offside (35').
After returning from the break, OL Lyonnes stepped up the pace in an attempt to make the breakthrough, pushing our Parisian side back into their own half. Whilst the first warning came to nothing – with the penalty initially awarded to Lyon being overturned following a VAR review (53’) – the second proved decisive. From the right flank, Kadidiatou Diani sent in a low cross that Lindsey Heaps let pass. It was Melchie Durmonay, positioned on the penalty spot, who took advantage to beat Mary Earps from close range (1-0, 59').
Far from being beaten, the Rouge et Bleu stepped up their attacking play, as demonstrated by Sakina Karchaoui’s long-range effort (63’). In an effort to breathe new life into his team, Paulo César decided to make his first two substitutions shortly after the hour mark. Romée Leuchter and Jackie Groenen were replaced by Rasheedat Ajibade and Joe Echegini.
By pushing further forward, Paris also left more space at the back. OL Lyonnes came close to taking advantage of this, hitting Mary Earps’ post (75’), before forcing her into action a few minutes later (77’, 81’). In stifling heat despite the setting sun, both sides seemed to be nearing breaking point as the minutes ticked by. Despite several chances created by Rasheedat Ajibade, the Rouge et Bleu were unable to find the net and lost in Abidjan in this LFFP Cup final.
With the LFFP Cup reaching its conclusion this Saturday in Abidjan, Paulo César’s players will continue their campaign in the Coupe de France on Wednesday 18 March, travelling to Dijon for a 4pm kick-off as they aim to secure their place in the competition’s semi-finals.
