Champion League
2024 CAF Women’s Champions League: TP Mazembe end Edo Queens title dream
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Democratic Republic of Congo champions, TP Mazembe defeated Edo Queens 3-1 to book a place in the final of the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League.
The UNIFFAC (Central Africa) champions had to come from a goal down to win the semi final match including scoring two goals in the extra time.
They found the back of the net twice in each half but the goals were ruled out for foul on goalkeeper Omini Oyono and offside.
Moses Aduku’s side broke the deadlock in the 65th minute as Paulina Ali’s long ball reached Emem Essien, who put the ball above the goalie and into the back of the net.
Lamia Boumedhi’s side pushed for the equaliser which came in the 90th minute from a corner kick headed home by Merveille Kanjinga.
Folorunsho Comfort’s own goal in the first minute of extra time put TP Mazembe ahead before Merlene Kasaj Yav, who will miss the final match due to card accumulation, converted a later penalty in the additional minutes of first extra time to seal the win.
The loss meant Nigeria continued its search for the maiden CAF Women’s Champions League title since its inception in 2021.
TP Mazembe will face either the host, AS FAR FC or FC Masar, in the final, while Edo Queens faces the loser of the second semi-final match in the third place.
