CAF CL: Delta Queens defeat Athletico to reach qualification final
BY Idris Shehu
Delta Queens, Nigeria Women Football League (NWPL) champions, have qualified for the final of the WAFU B zonal qualifiers.
The Asaba-based team defeated Athletico FC of Ivory Coast 3-2 in the semi-final held at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Benin, Edo, on Monday.
The Delta Queens had secured a place in the competition’s penultimate round after finishing top of group A.
The 2023 NWFL champions defeated US Forces Armées FC of Burkina Faso 3-0 in their first game. Another 2-0 victory over Benin Republic’s Sam Nelly propelled them to the summit of the group.
Delta Queens’ invisibility buckled in their latest game, as Melissa Behinan pulled the Ivorian ahead in the fifth minute. The Nigerians were stunned and did not respond until the 66th minute.
Mercy Omokwo dragged the Queens back into the game with a screamer. The game then tapered into extra time.
Early in the extra-time, Omokwo turned the match around with another piledriver in the 98th minute to give the Nigerians the lead for the first time in the game.
Shortly after, Taiwo Afolabi cushioned the lead for the Queens with a sumptuous lob. Although Joy Sunday scored a late consolation for Athletico, Delta Queens held on for an important victory.
The Nigerians will face the winner of the other semi-final clash between Ampem Darkoa and Sam Nelly in the final.
The winner of the qualification tourney will represent WAFU zone B in the preliminary stage of the 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League.
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