By Amaechi Agbo
Second in Pool B at the start of the game against Wadi Degla, Nigeria premier League champions, Bayelsa Queens defeated Wadi Degla 3-0 to retain their position and confirm their qualification for the last four of the CAF Women’s Champions League, Morocco 2022.
From the first minutes of play, Domo Okora’s ladies were asking all the questions against the Egpytians and they were rewarded in the sixth minute, when Juliet Sunday tapped in for the opener after keeper Kayley Cruz spilled the shot from Miracle Joseph.
In the 18th minute, a strong response from the Egyptians led by Ehab El Marghany saw Haley Roberson testing Bayelsa Queens goalkeeper Ange Bawou but managed to pushe the ball away.
The 45 minutes passed, the Nigerians return to the locker room with the narrow advantage of a goal.
Back on the pitch, the Bayelsa Queens showed better intentions and in the 48th minute, Mercy Itimi broke through the entire Egyptian defense and fire past the goalkeeper for the second goal of the match, compounding the woes of Wadi Degla.
Heads down, Wael El Sayed’s ladies were overwhelmed as the Nigerian side continued to dominated possessions.
A well launched attack through Blessing Ilivieda, who came into play a few minutes later as Mercy Itimi grabbed her brace of the match to guarantee their qualification. On the other side, the Congolese of TP Mazembe were eliminated by Mamelodi Sundowns.
With the massive victory, Bayelsa Queens are in the semi-finals for the first time in their history and will face the hosts of the competition, the Moroccans of AS Far in Rabat.
All the players who have worked with him would tell you that Domo Okara is passionate, a hard-working tactician who leaves no room for any emotion. But, this evening of November 6, 2022, following the qualification of Bayelsa Queens to the semi-final of the CAF Women’s Champions League is an exception.
