Edo Queens narrowly missed out on claiming the third-place spot in the CAF Women’s Champions League after falling to Egyptian side FC Masar in a dramatic penalty shootout.
The tense classification match, played at a high tempo, ended goalless in regular time, forcing the outcome to be decided from the spot.
FC Masar held their nerves to edge the Nigerian champions 4-3 on penalties.
Despite being the dominant side for much of the game, Edo Queens were left to rue missed opportunities as their high-pressing game plan fell short of delivering the much-needed goal.
Coach Moses Aduku, keen to shake things up for the crucial fixture, introduced Blessing Illiveida, Mary Mamudu, and Esther Inyang into the starting XI.
The changes paid off in terms of performance, as the Nigerian champions bossed possession and suffocated FC Masar’s build-up play with relentless pressing.
However, the Egyptian team’s well-organized defensive structure stifled the creativity of Edo Queens’ attack, reducing them to speculative efforts.
The match, played with fierce determination from both sides, was a showcase of tactical discipline and defensive resilience.
While Edo Queens exhibited aggression and energy, FC Masar relied on their composure and quick transitions to thwart their opponents.
Despite their dominance in possession, the Nigerian side found it difficult to carve out clear-cut chances, with the Egyptian goalkeeper making timely saves when called into action.
In the penalty shootout, the pressure proved decisive. Edo Queens saw two of their penalties saved, while FC Masar converted four of their five attempts to secure the bronze medal.
The Egyptian side celebrated their hard-fought victory, capping their debut in the competition with a podium finish.
Edo Queens, who also made their first appearance at the tournament, earned $300,000 in prize money for their fourth-place finish.
FC Masar, meanwhile, walked away with $350,000 for their efforts. While it was a heartbreaking end for the Nigerian champions, their strong performance throughout the tournament will be remembered as a testament to their potential on the continental stage.
