CAF Women's Leage
South Africa’s UWC claim confidence boosting win over Aigles De La Medina
The University of the Western Cape boosted their chances of progression in the CAF Women’s Champions League Morocco 2024, after a hard-fought 2-0 win over Aigles De La Medina in a Group A clash on Tuesday afternoon in El Jadida.
Two second half goals by Molatelo Kobo and Ntombifikile Ndlovu were enough to see the South Africans secure their first win of the competition in a result that significantly increases their chances of progression ahead of their final match against hosts, AS FAR.
Both sides came into the clash desperate for a win following disappointing results in their respective opening Group A matches.
UWC were subjected to a 2-0 defeat by TP Mazembe, while Aigles suffered a crushing 3-0 loss to AS FAR on Saturday.
With zero points to their name, both sides came out firing off their starting blocks with an all-out attack from the first whistle.
Despite having a go at each other, both teams failed to break the deadlock in the opening half, with most efforts failing to find the target.
It was the South Africans who found the opener five minutes into the second half after substitute, Molatelo Kobo’s persistence in the danger area resulted in a defensive error, of which she pounced on to convert from close range.
Momentum shifted to the South Africans who continued piling on the pressure for the second goal to come, courtesy of a clever chip by the skilful Ntombifikile Ndlovu who made it two for the University side in the 66th minute.
The Senegalese side tried getting back into the match but were denied by the reflexes of goalkeeper, Thandeka Ngcobo who kept a historic clean sheet for her side.
Miracle Usani is the sole Edo Queen player in the CAF Women’s Champions League Best XI, which was announced on Monday.
The Best XI selection highlights the top-performing players of the tournament. It is compiled by the CAF Technical Study Group (TSG), which includes football analysts, coaches, and technical advisors.
The Best XI features four players from debutants FC Masar which placed third in the final ranking.
Four players are selected from Champions TP Mazembe and two from runners-up AS FAR of Morocco.
In goal is FC Masar’s Habiba Sabry, whose acrobatic saves and commanding presence earned her the title of Best Goalkeeper of the tournament.
The central defense is solidified by Shadia Nankya and Aisha Nantongo from FC Masar.
The full-back positions are occupied by Miracle Usani of Edo Queens on the left and Vukulu Belange of TP Mazembe on the right.
TP Mazembe’s Marline Kasaj anchors the midfield, providing exceptional support during their title run.
The attacking midfield duo features AS FAR’s Sanaa Mssoudy and Sandrine Nyonkuru of FC Masar, adding creativity and flair to the line-up.
The attacking trio is led by the tournament’s top scorer, Doha El Madani (ASFAR), on the right, with TP Mazembe’s Lacho Marta on the left, and Merveille Kanjinga (TP Mazembe) as the central striker.
CAF Women’s Champions League Best XI:
GOALKEEPER
- Habiba Emad Sabry (FC Masar)
DEFENDERS
- Miracle Usani (Edo Queens)
- Shadia Nankya (FC Masar)
- Aisha Nantongo (FC Masar)
- Vukulu Belange (TP Mazembe)
MIDFIELDERS
- Marline Kasaj (TP Mazembe)
- Sanaa Mssoudy (AS FAR)
- Sandrine Nyonkuru (FC Masar)
FORWARDS
- Doha El Madani (AS FAR)
- Merville Kanjinga (TP Mazembe)
- Lacho Marta (TP Mazembe)
Edo Queens lost in the third-placed match with Egypt’s FC Masar after a penalty shoot-out. The Egyptians won 5-3 after a goalless draw.
As it happened when both teams met in the group stage, full-time scores remained 0-0. It was obvious the Edo Queens were deficient in penalty kick shooting as they had earlier lost one in their encounter with Mamelodi Sundowns.
The technical crew probably did not reckon with penalty kick training.
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Nigeria’s flagbearers, the Edo Queen will make their final appearance at the 2024 CAF Women’s League this Friday when they take on FC Masar of Egypt in the third-place match.
A win will not only fetch them the bronze medal, but an increased financial gain from $300,000 to $350,000. By the current exchange rate, this is N589,284,600.
A chunk of this will undoubtedly improve their living standards and also fetch some of the players better offers from foreign clubs.
Already, their good run has led to some of the players emerging as nominees at next month’s CAF Awards in Morocco. Monle Oyono is nominated along with Super Falcon’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie as contender for the African Woman’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
So also is Emem Essien seeking to win the Women’s version of the Interclub Player of the Year Award. Their coach, Moses Adukwu is not also left out as he is nominated for the Women’s Coach of the Year category.
Edo Queens is among the eight shortlisted for the Club of the Year. A defeat of FC Masar of Egypt in the third-place match will improve their honours chase.
Both teams met at the group stage and played a barren draw. A winner must emerge this Friday as both teams aim for a pdium finish.
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