CAF Women’s Champions League: Edo Queens, A.O. Etincelle secure WAFU B semi-final spots
Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire (PANA) - Edo Queens have advanced to the semi-finals of the WAFU B CAF Women’s Champions League qualification tournament after a narrow 1-0 victory over A.O. Etincelle on Match Day 3 of Group B.
The decisive moment of Saturday's match came in the 41st minute when Joy Jerry capitalised on a goalkeeping blunder to score the only goal of the game, securing Edo Queens' third consecutive win in the group stage.
A.O. Etincelle entered the second half with renewed determination but were unable to break through Edo Queens' defence, with Ijeoma Ozuma leading a resolute backline that successfully shut down their attacking efforts.
Despite the loss, A.O. Etincelle's earlier performances in the tournament were enough to see them through to the semi-finals.
Joy Jerry's outstanding display earned her the Player of the Match award, as she played a crucial role in Edo Queens’ unbeaten run in the group stage.
The Nigerian side topped Group B with a perfect nine points from three matches, while A.O. Etincelle progressed as the runners-up with four points, edging out competition on goal difference.
In a parallel fixture, Ghana’s Hasaacas Ladies delivered a commanding 6-1 victory over AS Garde Nationale of Niger. Hasaacas needed a wide margin of victory to secure a spot in the semi-finals but ultimately fell short due to goal difference.
Fatoumata Toumboura set the tone for Hasaacas with an early strike in the 16th minute, followed by goals from Grace Animah and Comfort Owusu, giving the Ghanaian side a 3-1 lead at halftime.
Despite a valiant effort, which included a hat-trick from Comfort Owusu and a late goal by Abigail Sakyiwaa, Hasaacas’ hopes were dashed by A.O Etincelle’s advancement.
Fidous Yakubu was named Player of the Match for her exceptional midfield control, but it was not enough to push her team into the next round.
Looking ahead, the semi-final fixtures will see Edo Queens clash with FC Inter D’Abidjan, while A.O Etincelle will face Ainonvi FC on Tuesday.
-0- PANA MA 19Aug2024
