Edo Queens Miss Out on Awards as New CAF Women’s CL Champions Emerge

TP Mazembe claimed the CAF Women’s Champions League title, defeating AS FAR 1-0 in the final courtesy of a 10th minute penalty converted by Marlene Kasaj Kav. This victory makes TP Mazembe the third team to win the prestigious title, joining the ranks of Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Edo Queens, despite a strong start in the competition, finished the tournament without a podium placement or individual accolades. The team’s brightest prospect, Emem Peace Essien, who garnered attention with her exceptional midfield performances and two goals, missed out on the Most Valuable Player award, which went to AS FAR’s playmaker, Sanaa Mssoudy. Mssoudy’s stellar displays, including two goals and several key assists, earned her the award for Best Player of the Tournament.

Other notable individual awards included Doha El Madani of AS FAR, who claimed the Top Goalscorer award with six goals, and Habiba Emad of FC Masar, named Best Goalkeeper for her outstanding performances throughout the competition. FC Masar also received the Fair Play Award for their exemplary sportsmanship.

Edo Queens’ elimination in the semi-finals and loss to FC Masar in the third place match underscored the challenges faced by Nigerian teams in the tournament. To date, no Nigerian club has won the CAF Women’s Champions League, with Bayelsa Queens’ 2022 bronze medal standing as the nation’s best achievement.

Editorial

TP Mazembe’s triumph in the CAF Women’s Champions League signifies the growing competitiveness of African women’s football. Their victory is a testament to their resilience and tactical discipline, while the performances of players like Sanaa Mssoudy and Doha El Madani demonstrate the depth of talent in the tournament.

For Edo Queens, the lack of individual and team honours despite promising performances highlights the need for further investment in Nigerian women’s football. Emem Peace Essien’s standout displays show the potential within the team, but to compete at the highest level, more robust preparation and resources are necessary.

This tournament serves as a reminder of the importance of recognising and nurturing talent across Africa. Nigerian clubs must build on their experiences in the competition to ensure they can challenge for the title in future editions. The nation’s footballing history and talent pool make this an attainable goal with the right support and strategy.

Did You Know?

1. The CAF Women’s Champions League began in 2021, aiming to promote and develop women’s football in Africa.
2. TP Mazembe’s victory is their first in the competition, making them only the third team to win the title.
3. Nigeria’s Bayelsa Queens hold the country’s best finish in the competition, securing bronze in 2022.
4. Emem Peace Essien’s two Woman of the Match awards highlight her influence despite Edo Queens’ struggles.
5. Doha El Madani, at just 19, became the tournament’s Top Goalscorer, showcasing her potential as a future star of African football.