Edo Queens head coach, Moses Aduku has described the match against Mamelodi Sundowns as a “non-negotiable” must-win encounter.
Following Wednesday’s 0-0 draw against Masar FC, which left Edo Queens with four points, Aduku stated that the team now needs a victory over the defending champions this Saturday to reach the next round.
Players of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrate after the team’s scored in the CAF WCL match against CBE. Photo | X
“It wasn’t the result we wanted; we wanted to win, but sometimes you win some,” said the Edo Queens coach. “We will prepare for the next game, and we will come back stronger.”
Ahead of Saturday’s final group match, Aduku acknowledged that the road to the semi-finals has been made more difficult, but he remains determined.
“Actually, we believed winning this game would take us straight to the semi-finals before playing the last game, but sometimes it is like this,” he said.
Edo Queens and FC Masar in action during the CAF WCL. Photo | X
“So, what do we do? We prepare for the next game, but I think we will come back strong.”
Edo Queens must avoid defeat against Sundowns to have a chance of advancing despite being joint-top of the group with Masar FC (both teams have four points).
Sundowns’ dominant 4-0 win over Ethiopian club CBE on Wednesday has kept the group wide open, with the South African giants now sitting third in the standings with three points.
“I said before that the eight teams here are capable of winning the title. Nobody is unbeatable,” Aduku continued.
Edo Queens head coach, Moses Aduku speaks at a CAF Women’s Champions League pre-game presser. Photo | X
“The team we play next lost their first game to the opponents we drew. So, we respect them outside the field, but on the field, it’s 90 minutes and we are condemned to win.”
While the Nigerian champions are focused on improving their finishing, Aduku remains hopeful.
“We need to find our scoring boots,” he said. “We had our chances but did not take them, just as much as the opponents didn’t give us much space. My team played well. I think scoring was just the only problem against Masar.”
Edo Queens are not only fighting for a spot in the semi-finals but also to become the first Nigerian team to win the prestigious continental title.
The club is already guaranteed a $150,000 participation fee and stands to earn more as they progress.
Champions of this year’s tournament will walk away with $600,000, while the runners-up will receive $400,000, and the third-placed team will collect $35,000.
