CAFWCLQ: Edo Queens Shine Yet Again to Book Place in Final

Edo Queens picked up where they left off in Bouake, getting a 2-1 victory over the host team, Inter Abidjan on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, to book a place in the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU-B Qualifiers.

The Benin-based side went into the semi-final encounter on the back of three victories from three games in the group stages, where they scored nine goals and did not concede any.

Going up against the host team in an important go big or go home tie, the Ladies avoided being overly confident, however, confident enough to not be deterred by the home crowd, as they found the back of the net in the seventh minute through goal poacher, Emem Essien, who struck for her fourth of the tournament.

In the 34th minute, Blessing Illivieda who had scored a thunderous free kick in Edo Queens 5-0 victory over AS Garde, doubled the lead for her second goal of the tournament.

Barely one minute into the second half, Edo Queens conceded their first goal of the tournament from the penalty spot as Naimen pulled one back for the hosts. The Queens made sure to avoid conceding any further goals as they held on to their 2-1 lead, for victory.

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, congratulated Edo Queens on their victory via his X handle, stating that every girl child, woman, and Edo indigene is proud of their performance.

” I congratulate Edo Queens on their victory today in Ivory Coast against FC Inter. You dominated the game and gave a good account of yourselves, dictating the tempo and holding on until the last minute.

” You were spectacular today, keeping up with the pace from the beginning of the tournament. You have remained unbeaten and are now heading into the finals with much confidence. 

” I celebrate your genius and want to tell you that every girl child, woman, and Edo indigene is proud of your performance.

” As you continue with your laudable display at the WAFU Zone B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers, we are reassured of your resolve to come out victorious in the finals and ultimately make a loud statement on the continental stage.”

Moses Aduku’s Ladies who have been in imperious form all tournament long would look to keep the fire burning when they face Ainonvi of Benin in the final. The winner will represent WAFU B in the 2024/25 CAF Women’s Champions League.