Nigeria's Bayelsa Queens got off to a losing start on Monday against the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies in the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League in Morocco.

 

Despite creating a handful of goal-scoring opportunities, Bayelsa Queens suffered a 2-1defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in their group opener. A goal in each half by Lelona Dawetti saw the defending champions cruise to victory.

 

Bayelsa Queens, however pulled one back through Mary-Magdalene Anjor in the 80th minute but it was but a consolatory effort after having more possession and shots on target.

 

Though Sundowns Ladies won the 2021 CAF WCL without conceding a single goal in their five games in the tournament, they looked quite vulnerable at the back against Bayelsa Queens who have themselves to blame for being wasteful in front of goal.

 

The Prosperity girls dominated the game in the first half, but it was Sundowns that opening the scoring through Dawetti with their first shot on target and the South Africans held on to the slim lead heading into the half-time break.

 

The Nigerian outfit continued their dominance in the second term but were let down by their final touch and after a string of missed chances, the Queens were made to pay as Dawetti found the back of the net again as she doubled her side's lead before Anjor pulled one back to lessen the deficit and gave Bayelsa Queens a lifeline late on in the encounter.

 

The Nigeria champions could not get the equaliser before full-time and will now have to shift focus to Thursday's second group game against TP Mazembe.