Edo Queens crush Hasaacas Ladies’ Champions League dreams

Beatrice Laryea Sports News Aug - 14 - 2024 , 19:53 2 minutes read

Ghana’s Hasaacas Ladies suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Nigeria’s Edo Queens in their second Group B match of the 2024 WAFU Zone B Women’s Champions League qualifiers in Côte d’Ivoire today, August 14.

This result has effectively ended Hasaacas Ladies' hopes of qualifying for the CAF Women’s Champions League, leaving them at the bottom of Group B with just one point.

Having drawn 0-0 with Burkina Faso’s Omnisports Etincelle in their opening match at the Stade De La Paix de Bouaké last Sunday, Hasaacas Ladies needed a win to keep their qualification hopes alive.

However, they were outclassed by a dominant Edo Queens side, who now sit comfortably at the top of the group with six points from two matches.

Clash

In a dramatic twist, the Sekondi-based side managed to hold their Nigerian opponents to a goalless draw in the first half. But after the break, Edo Queens turned up the heat. Emem Peace Essien broke the deadlock with a brace, scoring in the 57th and 67th minutes to put her team firmly in control.

The icing on the cake came in the 87th minute when Edo Queens’ captain, Suliat Abideen, unleashed a stunning strike to seal the victory.

In the other Group B match, Omnisports Etincelle bounced back in spectacular fashion, thrashing AS Garde National 6-1 to climb to third place with three points.

Despite the defeat, Hasaacas Ladies entered the game with determination, hoping to overturn their opening day disappointment. Coach Emmanuel Kwesi Mensah fielded a strong side, including experienced goalkeeper Grace Banwa, midfielders Felicity Asuako and Grace Animah, and forward Firdaus Yakubu.

However, they struggled to contain the superior tactics and firepower of Edo Queens, who secured their spot in the next round of the competition with a game to spare.

The Ghanaians will face AS Garde National in their final group fixture at the Stade De La Paix in Bouaké on Saturday, August 17, but with their qualification hopes dashed, they will now be playing for pride.