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Edo Queens quest to become the first Nigerian team to reach the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League was halted on Tuesday following their 3-1 loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo side TP Mazembe, in the first semi-final of the tournament, The PUNCH reports.
TP Mazembe came from a goal down to defeat the Nigerian champions after extra time and qualified for the final.
Edo Queens took the lead in the 65th minute through Emem Essien who lobbed the goalkeeper for her third goal of the tournament but the NWFL champions surrendered the slim advantage few minutes to the end of regulation time as Merveille Nanguji drew level for TP Mazembe via a header from a corner.
Super Falcons defender Comfort Folorunso scored an own goal in the 101st minute while Marlene Yav Kasaj made it 3-1, from the spot.
Although they could not set a new Nigeria record at the tournament, they will hope to emulate the Bayelsa Queens who finished third in the 2022 edition.
A third-place finish will see them pocket $350,000 in participation fees while the winner gets $600,000.
Meanwhile, defender Cordelia Odoma and striker Essien were named in the group stage Best XI released by CAF’s Technical Study Group on Monday.
AS FAR’s Khadija Er-Rmichi who conceded just one goal in the group stage was named between the sticks. The defenders are Odoma of Edo Queens, Karabo Dhlamini of Mamelodi Sundowns, Nouhaila Benzina (AS FAR) and Shadia Nankya (FC Masar).
In midfield, UWC’s Amogelang Motau takes the deep-lying role, while AS FAR’s Sanaa Mssoudy and FC Masar’s Sandrine Niyonkuru provide the creative spark.
Edo Queens striker Essien is joined up front by Doha El Madani (AS FAR) and Lacho Marta (TP Mazembe).
Essien currently has three goals in the tournament and could be in contention for more recognition after the final on Saturday.
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