The hope of Nigeria’s representatives at the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco, Edo Queens securing a historic spot in the final has been dashed.

Edo Queens were minutes away from qualifying for the final but a late equaliser by TP Mazembe derailed their ambition as they eventually lost 3-1 to the team from DR Congo.

After a barren first half at Casablanca’s LarbiZaouli Stadium yesterday, EMEM ESSIEN, one of the standout players in this competition shot Edo Queens into the lead. Many had thought it was the decisive goal as the minutes wound down in the second half.

However, a late equalizer by MERVEILLE NANGUJI gave TP Mazembe a lifeline and dragged the game into extra time where the Congolese club eventually triumphed with two more goals; winning the tie 3-1.

If they had advanced to the final, Edo Queens would have become the first Nigerian side to achieve this feat, building on the legacy of compatriots Bayelsa Queens, who were stopped at this same stage in 2022.

Now Coach MOSES ADUKU’s Ladies will need to dust themselves to make the most of their third place match on Friday.