ASEC Mimosas are the 2017 Cote d’Ivoire Ligue 1 champions. The Yellow and Black edged Williamsville Athletic Club 1-0 in Bouake to secure a record 25th title with one game to spare Saturday.
Burkina Faso stylish forward Aristide Bance scored the only goal of the match from the spot in the 77th minute to break the Mimosas’ seven-year wait for the coveted gong.
Heading into the decider, the Abidjan heavyweights were on 42 points – one ahead of second placed WAC, and needed a simple win to seal the title.
WAC on the other hand were hoping to stretch their luck till the final day with either a win or draw.
They (WAC) managed to hold the hosts, who attacked from the onset, for the entire first half but, however, a defensive blunder in the later minutes of the match saw them concede a penalty, which not only cost them the match but also dashed their dream of a first ever league title.
The loss also puts WAC under immense pressure in the race for the second CAF Champions League spot with former champions AS Tanda and Africa Sports now breathing heavily on their shoulders.
ASEC have now won eight more Cote d’Ivoire titles than their arch rivals Africa Sports.
