Photo Credit: CAF Women's Football
The ladies of TP Mazembe will have an opportunity to win their first continental trophy after coming back to defeat Nigeria's Edo Queens by a 3-1 score in Tuesday's first semifinal at the 2024 CAF Women's Champions League. A late equalizer from Merveille Kanjinga cancelled out a second half opening goal from Edo Queens star Enem Essien before the Ravens scored twice in extra time to confirm their victory.
It was unfortunate for the young Edo Queens team who got off to the stronger start at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca. The Nigerian champions came close on a couple of occasions in the opening half hour but were fortunate to escape conceding just before halftime. Mazembe forward Lagoali Kreto won an aerial duel with Queens goalkeeper Monie Oyono to nudge the ball into the net but was judged to have made too much contact.
After halftime, Edo Queens took the lead in the 65th minute through Essien when an early cross into the Mazembe penalty area was allowed to bounce for Essien to pounce and loop her finish over onrushing goalkeeper Fideline Mudimbi. However, as it appeared that Queens would hold on it was Kanjinga who leveled the match with a powerful header from a service by Lacho Marta.
Edo Queens fell apart in extra time after the late concession. Mazembe took the lead in the 101st minute from an own goal and then confirmed their victory in stoppage time at the end of the first half of extra time when Marlene Yav converted from the penalty spot. Mazembe advance to their first ever CAFWCL final where they will face the winner of the later semifinal match between host club AS FAR and Egypt's FC Masar.
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