Champion League
2024 CAF Women’s Champions League: Moses Aduku explains key moments in victory over Mamelodi Sundowns
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
After a stunning 2-1 win against two time champions, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, the head coach of Edo Queens, Moses Aduku says they didn’t allow the South Africans play their style which helped them seal a precious win.
Hitting the bar and missing a penalty ahead of the 90th minute of their final Group B clash, the Nigerian champions were on the verge of elimination after Melinda Kgadiete’s first half goal.
Two goals in the additional minutes of the second half from Emem Peace Essien and Mary Mamudu sealed a last gasp win for the West Africa Zone B (WAFU-B) champions.
“Immediately we got that penalty but before even the penalty, the pressure was on. We denied the South Africans space to play,” Aduku said during the post match press conference.
“In the first half, they were playing very good but in the second half when we went into the locker room, I told my girls to deny them space to play and we did that.
“At that moment, I knew because we denied them their style of play. Definitely something will happen and eventually something happened.”
Elated Aduku opined that he believed his players can turn the tide of the game despite going behind in the first half and missing some goal scoring chances.
“I lack words to express how I feel right now. Enough joy you know for the that has left our hands and eventually,” He added.
“For me, I think because of the way my players were playing in the second half, I believe we are going to score but honestly how and when I don’t actually know but I know something will happen.
“Honestly, I am happy getting through this stage, I know it was going to be difficult because this is like Cup final but it is not over yet. Celebration today but we go back and correct our lapses. I think my players did well. Good game. The South African team, a wonder side showing that they are Champions.”
Edo Queens will focus on their semi final match with Democratic Republic of Congo side, TP Mazembe on Tuesday.
