Edo Queens will face off against Mamelodi Sundowns in a highly anticipated final Group B match of the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League.

The showdown at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium will be crucial for both sides, with the Nigerian club aiming to make history by progressing to the semifinals without a loss, while Sundowns are seeking to keep their hopes of defending their title alive.

This is the first-ever meeting between the two teams at the continental level, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already thrilling group stage match.

Group B Implications: Edo Queens’ Path to the Semifinals

Edo Queens are in a strong position heading into the final match, needing only a draw to secure their place in the semifinals.

This would be a remarkable achievement for the Nigerian side, as they would become just the second Nigerian club—after Bayelsa Queens in 2022—to reach the knockout rounds of the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Notwithstanding, Edo Queens are already making history in Morocco.

They are the first Nigerian team in the tournament’s history to avoid defeat in their opening two matches, and they remain unbeaten heading into the final group game.

If they manage to avoid defeat against Sundowns, they will also become the first Nigerian club to go through an entire group stage without conceding a goal—an impressive feat that underscores their defensive solidity.

Goalkeeper Omini Oyono has been key to the team’s defensive strength, having faced the fewest shots among all teams in the tournament and made just a single save so far.

Edo Queens secured a win on their debut in the CAF WCL. Photo | X

In attack, midfielder Esther Moses has been a standout performer, creating six chances, the second most by any player at the finals.

Sundowns’ Championship Ambitions on the Line

Mamelodi Sundowns, the defending champions, find themselves in a must-win situation after a mixed start to the tournament.

A 1-0 loss to FC Masar in their opening match was followed by a resounding 4-0 victory over Ethiopia’s CBE, with Melinda Kgadiete netting a

Players of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrate after the team’s scored in the CAF WCL match against CBE. Photo | X

brace to become the tournament’s all-time top scorer for Sundowns with six goals.

Kgadiete has been a driving force for Sundowns, making history by becoming the first player to score at four different editions of the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Along with her two goals against CBE, she also provided an assist, further solidifying her reputation as one of the continent’s premier strikers.

In addition, Lelona Daweti and Boitumelo Rabale were also on the scoresheet, with Daweti now having five goals in the tournament, following up on her impressive four-goal tally from 2022.

However, despite their attacking firepower, Sundowns face a daunting prospect: if they fail to win this match, they will exit the tournament at the group stage, an outcome that has never occurred in the club’s history at the CAF Women’s Champions League.

In 2021, they reached the final, and in 2022, they finished as runners-up.

A loss or draw against Edo Queens would see them become the first defending champions to be eliminated at the group stage.

Statistical Showdown: West African vs Southern Africa

The upcoming match between Edo Queens and Sundowns also has regional importance, as teams from the COSAFA (Southern Africa) region have historically dominated encounters against clubs from the WAFU (West Africa) region at the CAF Women’s Champions League.

In the previous six meetings between clubs from these two regions, COSAFA teams have won every single match.

Sundowns have been particularly strong in this regard, having won all four of their previous encounters with teams from the WAFU region, including victories over Nigeria’s Rivers Angels and Bayelsa Queens in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

CAF Women’s Champions League Group B Final Match Facts:

Edo Queens: Unbeaten so far in the tournament; will progress to the semifinals with a draw.

Mamelodi Sundowns: Defending champions, must win to avoid exiting the tournament at the group stage for the first time.