EDO Queens are through to the semi-finals of the CAF Women’s Champions League following a stunning 2-1 comeback win over defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
The WAFU B champion demonstrated remarkable grit, scoring two decisive goals in the final moments of the match.
Mamelodi Sundowns initially led with an early goal that seemed likely to secure their progression. However, Edo Queens displayed relentless determination, levelling the score in the 88th minute.
Their relentless attack paid off once more in stoppage time, netting a winning goal that not only sealed their triumph but also confirmed their place in the semi-finals.
This victory cements Edo Queens as a formidable force in the tournament, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. Now, with a semi-final berth in hand, the team has a clear path to challenge for the ultimate title in the competition.
But the win ensured they led the group and will avoid playing against hosts and former champions, AS FAR of Morocco in Tuesday’s semi-final match.
Edo Queens, the first Nigerian side to cross the group stage will now play against TP Mazembe of DR Congo on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Priscille Kreto was the star of the show in Casablanca when TP Mazembe secured a commanding 4-0 win over Aigles De La Medina to advance to the semi-finals for the first time in the history of their participation.
After a goalless first half, the DR Congo side came out stronger in the second half to put four past the already out Senegalese side.
Larcho Marta found the opener just four minutes into the second half before Kreto’s brace in the 51st and 64th minute put the match beyond reach for the debutante.
The final nail in the coffin was hammered by Merveille Nanguji in the 71st minute to cap what was an exceptional performance by the DR Congo side that saw them through to the knockout stages.
In a related development, former winners AS FAR, who started slow and absorbed a lot of pressure, showed maturity in a 2-0 victory over the University of the Western Cape, who saw their debut campaign come to an end.
A brace by the 19-year-old Doha El Madani saw the hosts secure their third win in as many matches to conclude the group stages at the summit of Group A and continue their title chase.
As expected, UWC came out strong in search of an early lead, but a disciplined AS FAR defence kept the South African side at bay.
The deadlock broke in favour of the hosts in the 35th minute after substitute Sanaa Mssoudy was fouled in the box by Simnikiwe Mhlakaza after a brilliant run.
The young El Madani stepped up to slot it home for the lead.
Coming back from the break, the two stars combined again, with the troublesome Mssoudy threading a delightful through ball for the teenager, whose stinging effort was parried into goal by Thandeka Ngcobo just after the hour mark.
Eighteen-Eleven Media