The first final of the Ligue Féminine de Football Professionnel League Cup marked a historic moment for women’s football as Olympique Lyonnais Féminin defeated Paris Saint?Germain Féminine 1–0 in a groundbreaking match staged in Abidjan, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.
The decision to host the inaugural final outside France was part of a broader strategy by the French women’s league to expand its international presence and strengthen connections with African football. The match took place at the iconic Stade Félix Houphouët?Boigny, drawing more than 20,000 spectators who were granted free entry to witness the historic occasion.
According to Paul?Hervé Douillard, the initiative was made possible through collaboration with the Ministry of Sports of Côte d’Ivoire, which aims to promote women’s sports within the country. Douillard explained that hosting the final in Abidjan would offer broader media exposure than staging it in France and help strengthen ties with Africa, which he described as an important talent base for the league.
However, the decision drew criticism from supporter groups of both clubs, who argued that taking the match abroad weakened the local roots of the sport. Douillard acknowledged the concerns but maintained that the league is pursuing international expansion while continuing to build domestic support, noting that attendances for women’s matches in France have steadily increased in recent seasons.
For Yacine Idriss Diallo, the event represented a major opportunity for the development of women’s football in Côte d’Ivoire. He said hosting two of Europe’s top women’s teams would inspire young players and expose African audiences to elite-level competition.
Both finalists participated despite a demanding schedule. Paulo César admitted the travel was not ideal but said the squad embraced the experience, while captain Sakina Karchaoui described the trip as a unique opportunity despite logistical challenges. The final also held personal significance for players with Ivorian heritage, including Anaïs Ebayilin of PSG and Vicki Becho of Lyon.
Beyond the match itself, both clubs participated in community activities during their visit. Players from Lyon visited young patients at the Mère?Enfant Hospital of Abidjan, while PSG representatives were scheduled to inaugurate a football pitch in the city as part of development initiatives.
Several football dignitaries attended the final, including Philippe Diallo and Laurent Bonadei. One notable absentee was Jean?Michel Aulas, who remained in Lyon due to municipal elections in the city.