Lyon Lift Historic Women’s Coupe de la Ligue Title in Abidjan

By Angu Lesley

Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon

French giants Olympique Lyonnais Féminin defeated Paris Saint-Germain Féminines 1–0 in the inaugural final of the Women’s Coupe de la Ligue, played in Abidjan, marking a historic moment for both French women’s football and the growing role of Africa in hosting international matches.

The final took place at the iconic Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, where Lyon secured the first-ever title in the competition. The match was played in front of thousands of spectators in the Ivorian capital, highlighting the increasing global reach of women’s football.

The decision to stage the final in Abidjan was part of a deliberate strategy by French Football Federation authorities to expand the international presence of French women’s competitions. By hosting high-profile matches abroad, the league aims to develop new audiences, build partnerships and strengthen commercial ties in emerging football markets.

Côte d’Ivoire emerged as a natural destination following the successful organization of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament left behind modernized stadiums and improved sports infrastructure, positioning the country as an attractive venue for major football events.

The Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, one of the nation’s historic football venues with a capacity of about 33,000, previously hosted several AFCON matches and remains a central symbol of football in the country.

For Côte d’Ivoire, hosting the final offered several benefits, including global exposure for its stadiums, a boost to tourism and the sports economy, and stronger links with European football institutions. It also presents an opportunity to further promote and develop women’s football locally.

The event reflects a broader trend in global football, where major competitions and showcase matches are increasingly staged outside their traditional territories to grow fan bases and expand the commercial footprint of the sport.

With the success of the final in Abidjan, observers believe more European competitions, friendlies and football events could be staged in the West African city in the coming years, further establishing Côte d’Ivoire as a rising hub for international football in the region.