Edo Queens came back from the brink of elimination to grab two late goals to advance to the semifinal of the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League after a 2-1 win over defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.
The Nigerian champions only needed a draw to secure a semifinal spot, having entered the final group-stage matchday at the top of the standings. However, Sundowns struck in the 24th minute through Melinda Kgadiete, putting the Queens on the back foot.
Queens were relentless in their search for an equalizer and were guilty of wasting several chances but the Sundowns’ defence was breached in the 95th minute through Emmem Peace Essien while Mary Mamadu’s 101st-minute goal confirmed the win for the Nigerian champions
Edo Queens began their campaign with an impressive 3-0 win over Central Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) Ladies but faltered in their second match, settling for a draw against Egypt’s Masar. This left their group wide open heading into the final round of matches.
With the victory, Queens ended their campaign as group winners while Masar who defeated CBE 2-0 in the other group game also clinched the remaining semifinal spot after finishing second.
Edo Queens have become the second Nigerian team to qualify for the semifinals of the CAF Women’s Champions League. They follow in the footsteps of Bayelsa Queens, who achieved this feat in the second edition of the tournament in 2022. Rivers Angels, on the other hand, were unable to advance past the group stage in the inaugural edition in 2021.
