Edo Queens’ hopes of securing a record ₦1 billion ($600,000) payout at the CAF Women’s Champions League came crashing down on Tuesday after a heartbreaking 3-1 extra-time defeat to TP Mazembe in the semi-final.
Emem Essien gave the Nigerian side a 65th-minute lead with a sublime lob over the goalkeeper, marking her third goal of the tournament.
However, their dreams of advancing to the final were dashed in dramatic fashion when TP Mazembe’s Merveille Nanguji equalised in the last minute of regulation time, heading home from a corner to force extra time.
In the additional period, Edo Queens suffered further misfortune. Comfort Folorunso turned the ball into her own net in the 101st minute, handing TP Mazembe the advantage. The Congolese side then sealed the win when Marlene Yav Kasaj converted a penalty following a VAR review.
The result not only ends Edo Queens’ title aspirations but also deprives them of the lucrative $400,000 prize money for reaching the final. Instead, they will contend for third place and a $350,000 payout.
This marks a significant blow to the Nigerian club, who had already guaranteed $300,000 (₦500 million) by reaching the semi-finals. The CAF Women’s Champions League, now in its fourth edition, has seen a significant increase in prize money, with the overall pool rising by 52% to $2.35 million.
Edo Queens will now shift their focus to securing third place, as they await the winner of the other semi-final game between AS FAR and FC Maser.
