Nigeria’s solitary representatives at the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League have crashed out of the competition after a painful 3-1 extra-time loss to TP Mazembe in the semifinal on Tuesday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Edo Queens enjoyed a good run since the start of the CAF Champions League. They were drawn in Group B of the competition alongside Masar Women (Egypt), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), and CBE Women (Ethiopia).
Despite being in a difficult group, the Nigerian side held their own. Edo Queens comfortably defeated CBE 3-0 in their first game, played out a goalless draw against Masar, and defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 in their final group game.
After finishing first in their group, Edo Queens were pitched against DR Congo-based side TP Mazembe in the semifinal at the Stade Larbi Zaouli.
The Nigerian side very slight favourites going I.to the tie, but the game was quite balanced. However, Emem Essien broke the deadlock in the 65th minute, off an assist from Paulina Ali, giving Edo Queens a 1-0 lead.
EMEM ESSIEN. Remember the name. 🎩#CAFWCL2024 | @EQFCofficial pic.twitter.com/zkQ1R1qjHt
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) November 19, 2024
It looked like the NWFL side were going to cruise into the final, but TP Mazembe scored in the 90th minute, courtesy of Merveille Kanjinga. That goal took the game into extra time, and that was when the DR Congolese took over.
Comfort Folorunsho put TP Mazembe ahead after scoring an own goal in the 101st minute. Then, Marlene Yav Kasaj scored the third for the DR Congolese champions from the penalty spot in the 105th minute to ensure it ended 3-1.
Edo Queens’ loss means they will play whoever loses the semifinal fixture between FAR Rabat and Masar. As it stands, Edo Queens will take home NGN 500 million, but they could get an additional NGN100 million if they win the third-place match.