CAFWCL: Nigeria Edo Queens lose 3-1 to TP Mazembe in semi final

Following a devastating 3-1 extra-time defeat to TP Mazembe in the semifinal on Tuesday, Nigeria's lone delegates at the 2024 CAF Women's Champions League have fallen out of the tournament.

Edo Queens had a strong start to the CAF Champions League. Along with Masar Women (Egypt), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), and CBE Women (Ethiopia), they were drawn into Group B of the contest. 

Though in a challenging group, the Nigerian team maintained their own. In their first game, Edo Queens convincingly overcame CBE 3-0; they then performed a goalless draw against Masar and defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 in their last group game.

Edo Queens, who finished first in their group, faced TP Mazembe, a club with roots in DR Congo, in the quarterfinal at Stade Larbi Zaouli.

Though the contest was quite fair, the Nigerian side had very minor favorites prior to the tie. Emem Essien, on an assist from Paulina Ali, broke the impasse in the 65th minute, giving Edo Queens a 1-0 lead.

If TP Mazembe had scored in the 90th minute, thanks to Merveille Kanjinga, the NWFL side would have been sailing into the championship. That goal took the game into extra time, and it was at that moment that the DR Congolese seized control.

Following an own goal in the 101st minute, Comfort Folorunsho placed TP Mazembe ahead. To guarantee it finished 3-1, Marlene Yav Kasaj then scored the third for the DR Congolese champions from the penalty spot in the 105th minute.

Edo Queens will play whoever loses the semifinal match between FAR Rabat and Masar. As it is, Edo Queens will bring home NGN 500 million; should they win the third-place match, they might earn NGN 100 million more.

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