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Edo Queens’ dreams of securing a medal in the CAF Women’s Champions League were dashed on Friday, as they lost 4-3 in a tense penalty shootout to Morocco’s FC Masar in the bronze medal match.
The game, which ended 1-1 after regulation time, saw the Nigerian side fall just short of clinching third place.
The defeat came just days after Edo Queens were eliminated from the semifinals by TP Mazembe, who staged a 3-1 comeback to deny the Nigerians a spot in the final.
Holding a 1-0 lead into the final moments of the second half, Edo Queens could not hold off the Congolese side, sending them into the playoff for third place.
Going into the match against FC Masar, Edo Queens’ coach Aduku was hopeful that his team had overcome the heartbreak of the semifinal loss.
 However, despite a strong performance, playing a stalemate in the regular time of the match, Edo Queens were unable to edge past the hosts in the shootout, leaving them with a fourth-place finish.
Edo Queens dominated in the group stages, starting with a dominant 3-0 win over CBE, followed by a goalless draw with FC Masar and a stunning 2-1 victory over defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Though they fell short of a medal, Edo Queens’ fourth-place finish ensures they walk away with a significant $300,000 (over N508 million) in prize money, further cementing their place as one of the top teams in African women’s club football.
The prize pool for the CAF Women’s Champions League sees the winners walk away with $600,000, with the runners-up earning $400,000 and third place receiving $350,000.
