CAFWCL: Crested Cranes centre back duo to feature in semi-final

Semifinal Fixtures

Tuesday November 19th

AS Far Vs FC Masar – 20:00 EAT
Edo Queens Vs TP Mazembe – 17:00 EAT

After a suprise elimination of defending Champions Mamelodi Sundowns, every side that got to the semifinal stage will now feel they have chance to win the third Edition of the CAF women Champions League Morocco 2024.

And among the last four is FC Masar, home to Uganda’s two Crested Cranes centre backs and regular pairing Aisha Nantongo and Shadia Nankya who have been crucial in the different games including their opening fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Shadia Nankya

Aisha Nantongo

However Sadrine Niyonkuru who has been their target women upfront and brightest spark having averaged a goal per game the side has played despite drawing once goalless with Edo Queens in their second.

Sadrine Niyonkuru

With exception of Niyonkuru, the Egyptian side will also look at Yassmin Zezo in order to fight for a place in the final under the guidance of head coach Ahmad Ramadhan.

They are going to face one of Africa’s top sides in AS Far Rabat who have exhibited the best football accompanied by good results (3 wins in 3 games) since the tournament kicked off.

Empowered with a great defensive line that includes so far the best centre back in Nouhaila Benzina commanded by shot-stopper Khadija ER-Rmichi the host side will be on the front foot.

Teenage-star, Doha El Madani and top scorer with 5 goals so far will hope to make a mark and is set to be very influential after previous her performances with help from Sanaa Mssoudy.

19 year Old -Doha El Madani

Therefore this is expected to be a very entertaining match up between the two North African sides.

On the other side, impressive side Edo Queens who also beat defending Champions Mamelodi Sundowns with two late goals will face DRC outfit TP Mazembe

With sights set on making history as the first Nigerian side to reach the final of the prestigious tournament, Edo Queens will fight tooth and nail to overcome TP Mazembe.

Queens will aim to build on the legacy of their compatriots Bayelsa Queens, who made it to the knockout stages in 2022 though their coach Moses Aduku has stressed the need to maintain their one-game-at-a-time approach ahead of Tuesday’s crucial encounter.

“We want to thank God first and foremost for taking us this far” he started

“The last game was not an easy game, winning it in the last minute and we are through to the semis for the first time.” He added

“But like what I said in the first press briefing, [we take it] one game at a time, and this is the fourth game, we will approach it the same way, while correcting our mistakes at the same time, what we did well, we improve on it,” he continued

Concluding that “We are good to go, the players are good, everybody’s ready and the 90 minutes will decide who wins,”

The Nigerian side will look to centre back Cordeila Odoma, Emem Essien and striker Chioma Olise who has impressed all through.

In the Press conference held on Monday, the young striker, Olise said her teammates have already set their sights on the final;

“The players are ready and they are happy to play the semifinals.” She said

“It means a lot, not only playing the semifinals but just qualifying from the group is a great opportunity and we are not going to the stop in the semifinals, we pray that God will help us to get to the finals and to win the trophy too,” she added and concluded.