Edo Queens Coach, Moses Aduku has rallied his team to focus on their upcoming third-place playoff against FC Masar following their dramatic 3-1 semi-final defeat to TP Mazembe in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
The Nigerian champions saw their dreams of a historic final dashed in heartbreaking fashion on Tuesday in Morocco.
Edo Queens led 1-0 through Emem Essien’s brilliant lob in the 65th minute, marking her third goal of the tournament. However, their hopes unraveled when Merveille Nanguji equalized with a header in the dying moments of regulation time. The game then tilted decisively in TP Mazembe’s favor during extra time, with a Comfort Folorunso own goal in the 101st minute and a Marlene Yav Kasaj penalty sealing the Congolese side’s victory.
Reflecting on the loss, Aduku expressed disappointment but praised his players’ efforts.
“Sometimes in football, you don’t get the result you want. My girls played well, but we lost concentration at the 90th minute. It’s unfortunate, but that’s football. It can happen to anybody,” Aduku said.
The coach admitted his instructions to avoid conceding a late corner kick went unheeded.
“I told them the game was over and to keep the ball in play, but they conceded a cheap corner. In football, you can plan everything, but on the pitch, things happen differently,” he added.
Opportunity for Redemption
Edo Queens now turn their attention to Friday’s third-place match against FC Masar, a team they held to a 0-0 draw in the group stage. Victory in the playoff would secure the Nigerian side $350,000 in prize money and match Bayelsa Queens’ 2022 achievement.
Despite the disappointment, Aduku remains optimistic:
“Sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose, but how you respond matters. My players gave their best. Though we lost, it was against the run of play.”
Edo Queens’ standout performances in the tournament have been recognized, with defender Cordelia Odoma and forward Emem Essien earning spots in the group stage Best XI by CAF’s Technical Study Group.
Grand Finale Awaits
The tournament concludes Saturday with TP Mazembe facing hosts AS FAR in the final, competing for the prestigious title and a $600,000 prize.
For Edo Queens, Friday’s clash represents an opportunity to finish their campaign on a high note and further solidify Nigeria’s growing reputation in African women’s football.
