Edo Queens pulled off a stunning upset, toppling defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies 2-1 in the CAF Women’s Champions League to secure a semi-finals spot.
The match, held at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, was a tense affair, with Sundowns initially taking the lead through a first-half strike from Melinda Kgadiete.
The 24th-minute goal, assisted by Karabo Dlamini, gave the South African side a slender advantage, which they held onto for much of the match.
However, as the clock wound down, Edo Queens refused to let their opportunity slip away.
It was Emem Essien who provided the crucial equaliser in the dying moments of the match, scoring in added time to send the Nigerians into ecstasy.
The goal, which came with just seconds left on the clock, was a lifeline for the Queens, who needed only a point to secure their place in the next round.
But the drama didn’t end there, an in the final moments of injury time, Mary Mamudu capitalized on some shambolic defending from Sundowns during a set-piece delivery.
Edo Queens and Sundowns players during a CAF WCL group stage match. Photo | X
Mamudu pounced on the loose ball and hammered it home to give the Queens an unforgettable victory, effectively sealing Sundowns” elimination from the tournament.
With the win, Edo Queens not only secured a historic spot in the semi-finals, but they also finished top of Group B.
Meanwhile, in a simultaneous fixture, Egyptian debutants FC Masar also made their mark, defeating Central Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) 2-1 to secure their own semi-final berth.
Masar took the lead through Sandrine Niyonkuru in the 24th minute, before Yassmine Zezo sealed the win with an 85th-minute strike.
CBE managed a late consolation goal through Senaf Wakuma, but it was too little, too late for the Ethiopians, who were unable to mount a comeback.
FC Masar players celebrate during the CAF WCL match against CBE. Photo | X
The semi-finals, set for Tuesday, 19 November, will feature the following matchups:
Edo Queens vs TP Mazembe (16:00)
AS FAR vs FC Masar (19:00)
