A faultless dominant showing by Edo Queens gave them a comfortable 3-0 win over fellow debutants, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Football Club at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday evening.
Brilliantly taken goals by Emem Essien, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Chukwuamaka Osigwe were enough to secure a CAF Women’s Champions League debut victory for the WAFU B champions against the Ethiopian side.
The youthful Edo Queens wasted no time in getting off their mark, pressing numbers forward and forcing errors from the defence of the Bankers.
Their efforts were duly rewarded as early as the fifth minute when the speedy Ljamilusi’s brilliant run concluded with a well-taken cross that found a well-positioned Essien, who showed composure in bringing it down to fire her side into the lead.
The ladies from the Horn of Africa were not able to cope with Queens’ high-pressing game that kept them at a distance.
Ljamilusi doubled the lead after a good combination play between her and Esther Moses in the box nine minutes after the break.
The match was put to bed by 17-year-old substitute Chukwuamaka Osigwe, who controlled a ball from Moses to unleash a left-footed strike with 10 left on the clock.
The commanding win sees Queens top Group B, with Football Club Masar behind second on goals difference after the Egyptian Newcomers Football Club Masar produced a major upset in competition as debut, beating the defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in a thrilling Group B clash in Casablanca on Sunday.
A penalty in first-half stoppage time, converted by Masar’s forward Sandrine Niyonkuru, sealed the victory and sent shockwaves through the tournament in Morocco.
The debutantes, part of the Right to Dream Academy community, came into the match as heavy underdogs against the experienced South African side, who are seasoned champions.
However, Masar’s youthful squad, with an average age of just 20.6, showed resilience and tactical discipline, holding off Sundowns’ relentless attacks throughout the match.
Despite Sundowns dominating possession and creating multiple chances, they struggled to break down Masar’s organised defence.
The Egyptians held firm, with goalkeeper Maya Abouelwafa making crucial saves, while defenders like Aisha Nantongo and Hasnath Ubamba thwarted several close-range efforts from the champions.
In the 45+2 minute, a handball in the box from Sundowns led to Masar’s penalty opportunity.
Niyonkuru confidently stepped up and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner, giving Masar an unexpected lead.
Sundowns continued to press for an equaliser, but their attempts were repeatedly denied, including a missed shot from Tiisetso Makhubela in the dying minutes of added time.
This victory marks a milestone for FC Masar, who have rapidly risen in Egyptian women’s football.
After securing their first domestic title last season, they are now setting a new standard on the continental stage, proving that they are ready to compete with the best.
The result leaves Masar optimistic for their upcoming matches against Nigeria’s Edo Queens on Wednesday and Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank.
Eighteen-Eleven Media