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Summary
The Edo Queens defeated defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies 2-1 with two goals in added time to qualify for the semi-finals of the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League. This historic achievement makes them the first Nigerian team to progress beyond the group stage. They will face TP Mazembe Ladies in the semi-finals.
Nigerian football club Edo Queens have secured their place in the semi-finals of the 2024 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Champions League. This comes after they secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies from South Africa in their final Group B match on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
The intense match at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco, saw the 2023/24 Nigeria Women’s Football League champions defy the odds with two late goals in added time to seal their qualification.
The South Africans struck first in the 24th minute through Melinda Ngadiete, putting the Edo Queens under immense pressure. They needed nothing less than a win to progress. Despite creating several opportunities, they failed to find the net during regulation.
As the clock ticked past 90 minutes, the Edo Queens’ persistence finally came to fruition. A chaotic scramble in the Sundowns’ penalty area allowed forward player Emem Essien to slot the ball into an open net, levelling the score and reigniting their hopes.
In the 11th minute of added time, Mary Mamudu completed the sensational comeback with a calm finish, sparking jubilant celebrations among the team and their supporters.
This victory not only secured the Edo Queens’ progression but also made them the first Nigerian side to advance beyond the CAF Women’s Champions League group stage.
The Edo Queens had earlier started their campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank FC but were left in a precarious position after a goalless draw against Egypt’s FC Masar in their second game.
The team will now face DR Congo’s TP Mazembe Ladies in the semi-finals on Tuesday, Nov. 19, by 14:00 UTC. They aim to continue their historic run and bring glory to Nigerian women’s football.
