Nigerian champions Edo Queens secured a dramatic semi-final spot at the CAF Women’s Champions League after coming from behind to defeat defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in a thrilling encounter at Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca, on Saturday, Sunday PUNCH reports.
Despite needing just a draw to advance, the West African champions found themselves trailing in the 24th minute when Melinda Kgadiete put the South Africans ahead, threatening to end their campaign. They, however, showed remarkable resilience, with Peace Essien equalising in the 95th minute before Mary Mamudu completed the stunning comeback six minutes later by tapping in from close range following a defensive error.
The victory ensured Edo Queens finished top of Group B with seven points from three matches, having won two and drawn one with a superior goal difference of +4.
Egypt’s Masar also advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Central Bank of Ethiopia Ladies 2-1 in the group’s second match played simultaneously at Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium, El Jadida, to finish second with seven points but with an inferior goal difference of +2.
Defending champions Sundowns finished third with three points, while CBE ended their campaign without a point and an -8-goal difference.
Edo Queens began their campaign with an impressive 3-0 win over CBE before a draw against Masar in their second game left the group wide open heading into the final round of matches.
They were wasteful for large periods of the game, but their persistence finally paid off in stoppage time as they twice breached the usually reliable Sundowns defence to eliminate the title holders.
Edo Queens will now look to become the first Nigerian side to reach the final of the continental competition as they continue their quest for the title as they face TP Mazembe in the semifinal.
Moses Aduku’s team became the second Nigerian club along with Bayelsa Queens in 2022 to reach the knockout rounds, the first Nigerian club to progress without losing a single game at the finals, and the first Nigerian club at the finals to avoid defeat inside their first three games.
It was the first time Sundowns failed to progress beyond the group stage and the first defending champions to exit at the group stage. In 2022, they reached the final, and in 2023, AS FAR got to the semi-finals.