Julius OkorieNigeria’s representatives in the ongoing CAF Women Champions League in Morocco, Edo Queens, turned the table between last minute elimination to last minute triumph defeating reigning champions, Mamelodi Sundowns to qualify for semifinal.
Sundowns of South Africa had shot into the lead in the encounter as early as the 24th minute through highly mobile attacker, Melinda Kgadiete.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Nigerian girls fought tooth and nail for entire 90 minutes seeking to cancel the lone goal that was looking like the winning goal for their South African counterparts to no avails.
It was however not until the five minutes of added time that Emem Peace Essien gave the Nigerian side the needed respite with an equaliser.
With scoreline now at 1-1 with 95 minutes played both sides were looking forward to perhaps extra time to settle what has suddenly turned to a tug of war, when Mary Mamudu turned the game on its head with the winning goal for the Edo Queens just as the added time extended to 11th minute, with a timely assist from teammate Goodness Osigwe.
The goal did not only kill the idea of heading into extra time but became a source of lamentation for the South African girls and source of joy for their Nigerian counterparts.
As if living to the Edo State’s identity of the Big Heart, Coach of the side Moses Aduku had earlier declared that beating Mamelodi Sundowns is a task that must be done.
READ ALSO :CAF Women’s C/League: Edo Queens In Fight To Finish Clash Against Mamelodi Sundowns
Though the match turned out to be hard nut to crack, he nonetheless expressed delight that determination of the girls paid off when it mattered most.
Edo Queens will face TP Mazembe of DR Congo on Tuesday, just as host team FAR Rabat of Morocco battle FC Masar of Egypt same day.
The third place match of the tournament will be played on Friday November 22 while the final takes place Saturday November 23.
Should Edo Queens win the tournament, they would be first Nigerian side to do so. The best performance of a Nigerian side before now was a third place finish by Bayelsa Queens at the 2022 edition.
To qualify for Tuesday’s semifinal against Edo Queens, TP Mazembe ran riot against Aigles de la Médina of Senegal with a 4-0 demolition.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
