Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire – Nigerian champions, Edo Queens, delivered a dominant 5-0 victory over AS GNN in their Group B opener of the CAF Women’s Champions League (WCL) WAFU B qualifying tournament on Sunday.
Edo Queens set the tone early, pressing forward relentlessly but were initially frustrated by the woodwork and a series of outstanding saves from AS GNN goalkeeper Safiatu Salifu.
The breakthrough came in the 36th minute, with a stunning team goal. Vera Samuel’s surging run was followed by a perfectly weighted pass from Valentina Uroko, setting up Emem Essien, who smashed the ball into the net, leaving the AS GNN defense in disarray.
Just before halftime, Suliat Abideen doubled the lead from the penalty spot after being brought down by Salifu in the box.
The second half saw Edo Queens continue their dominance, with Blessing Ilivieda adding a third goal with a beautifully struck free kick in the 58th minute.
The onslaught continued with two quick goals from Esther Moses and Joy Jerry in the 73rd and 76th minutes, respectively, sealing the emphatic win for the Nigerian side.
AS GNN’s best chance came when Ellen Ampong struck the post, but it was not enough to change their fortunes.
Vera Samuel was named the best player of the match for her influential role in Edo Queens’ comprehensive victory.
AS GNN is a football club from Niger.
In the other Group B match, A.O Etincelle of Rwanda held Hasaacas Ladies of Ghana to a 0-0 draw in a closely contested encounter.
Despite several opportunities, including a close-range header from Hasaacas’ Fatimata Fuseini, neither side could break the deadlock.
A.O Etincelle’s Adama Congo was awarded Player of the Match for her outstanding midfield performance.
After matchday one, Edo Queens top the group with three points, while Hasaacas Ladies and A.O Etincelle share a point each. AS GNN are at the bottom with no points.
