Edo Queens produced a moment of dramatic twist after coming from behind to crush Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies’ dream of defending their CAF Women’s Champions League title.
The Nigerians came from behind to earn a 2-1 victory to secure their place in the semi-finals.
After a 24th minute goal by Melinda Kgadiete thanks to a Karabo Dlamini assist, Sundowns held the slender lead until the dying moments of the match before Emem Essien’s equaliser in the referee’s added time saw the South African’s title hopes dashed.
From eliminated to top of the group in 6 minutes! 🤯
Rewatch the epic comeback for Edo Queens vs Mamelodi Sundowns. 🔥#CAFWCL2024 pic.twitter.com/U0sJxe1AEK
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) November 16, 2024
With Queens needing just a victory, the late strike was enough to see them through.
The nail was officially hammered in the defending champions’ coffin after Mary Mamudu pounced on some questionable defending from a set piece to fire the Nigerians into the lead and seal an unforgettable victory over the defending champions in the last seconds of added time.
Ahead of the game against Sundowns, the newly sworn in governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo had charged Edo Queens to return home with the cup.
The victory against the South Africans has now pushed Edo Queens closer to winning the trophy for the first time.