Edo Queens of Nigeria will face Aïnonvi FC of Benin Republic in the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League Qualifiers (WAFU B) in Ivory Coast on Friday.
The Nigerian champions have dominated the competition, conceding just one goal in five matches, including their 2-1 victory over FC Inter of Abidjan in the semifinals on Tuesday. Goals from Emem Essien and Blessing Ilivieda in the 7th and 34th minutes secured the win, while Adjoua Niamien scored a penalty for the Ivorians shortly after halftime. Edo Queens captain, Suliat Abideen was named Woman of the Match.
Aïnonvi FC reached the final with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Burkina Faso’s A.O. Etincelle, thanks to a late goal by Yasminath Djibril, who was also awarded Woman of the Match. Despite the early injury to key defender, Stephanie Zida, the Benin side managed to hold firm and advance to the final.
The final promises to be an exciting clash, with both teams not only competing for the WAFU B trophy but also for a historic spot in the CAF Women’s Champions League, a first-time achievement for either club. Meanwhile, the third-place match between Inter D’Abidjan and A.O. Etincelle will take place today Thursday, August 23, giving the semifinal losers a chance to finish their campaign on a positive note.
