Edo Queens’ hopes of a podium finish at the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League ended in heartbreak as they lost 4-3 on penalties to Egypt’s FC Masar in the third-place match on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The game, held inside the Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi in Morocco, was a tightly contested affair that ended goalless after 90 minutes.
Both Edo Queens and FC Masar were debutants in the tournament, with the Benin-based side becoming only the second Nigerian club to reach the semifinals after Bayelsa United.
The coach Moses Aduku tutored side had entered the clash determined to bounce back from their semifinal disappointment against TP Mazembe, where they surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose 3-1.
However, Masar edged them in the penalty shootout to claim the bronze medal.
For their efforts, Edo Queens will take home $300,000 (over N508 million) in prize money for finishing fourth, while FC Masar secured $350,000 for third place.
Edo Queens’ journey in Morocco began with a promising 3-0 victory over Ethiopia’s CBE, followed by a goalless draw with FC Masar in the group stage and a thrilling 2-1 win against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Despite their valiant efforts, the Nigerian side fell short of breaking the country’s streak of missing out on the final in all four editions of the competition.
The tournament will conclude on Saturday with the hosts, AS FAR of Morocco, taking on TP Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final.
The winner of the competition will clinch the trophy as well as a cash prize of US$600,000 while the runner-up will settle for US$400,000.
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