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Edo Queens’ dream of becoming the first Nigerian side to reach the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League came to a heartbreaking end on Tuesday as they were defeated 3-1 by DR Congo’s TP Mazembe in a dramatic semifinal clash at Casablanca’s Larbi Zaouli Stadium.
The match was even after a goalless first half, with both teams struggling to break each other’s defense. However, it was Edo Queens who broke the deadlock in the 65th minute through Emem Essien, one of the standout performers of the tournament.
The goal gave the Nigerian side a 1-0 lead, and as the game neared its final minutes, it seemed like they were on the verge of history.
But in a stunning twist, TP Mazembe equalized in the 87th minute with a late strike from Merveille Nanguji, sending the match into extra time.
In extra time, the Congolese side proved to be the stronger team, scoring two more goals to complete a 3-1 comeback win.
The result dashed the hopes of Edo Queens, who had been aiming to become the first Nigerian team to reach the final of the competition.
Last year, Bayelsa Queens had been eliminated at the same semifinal stage.
Despite the disappointment, Coach Moses Aduku’s side will still have the chance to play for third place, with the third-place match scheduled for Friday.
A win in this match would still be a big achievement for the Nigerian team, as it would earn them a prize of USD 350,000 (over N587 million).
This year’s CAF Women’s Champions League boasts a 52% increase in prize money, with the winners set to receive USD 600,000, the runners-up USD 400,000, and the third-place finishers USD 350,000.
