Delta Queens edge out Athletico, seal final spot in CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers

Kingsley Abavo (Managing Editor), Benin 

Delta Queens; Nigeria's representative in the CAF Women’s Champions WAFU B qualifiers, have qualified for the final after emerging winners in their semifinal match against the Athletico FC of Côte d’Ivoire.

Delta Queens survived a late scare by Athletico FC to claim a 3-2 win in extra time after a shaky start.

Athletico got off to a bright start after taking an early lead in five minutes when Melissa Behnian broke through on the run of play to slot home the opener.

The opening goal gave the Ivorian representatives some sort of confidence against Delta Queens as they were undeterred and resolute in the first half, without conceding.

Delta Queens came searching for an equalizer after the restart of the match following the introduction of Mercy Omokwo and Nmesoma Ibeh.

The duo had instant, positive effect upfront for Delta Queens who found their way back into the contest when Omokwo scored a wonder goal to the delight of the crowd on 62nd minutes.

The equalizer brought Delta Queens back to life as they began to push for further goals, but Athletico tied up their defense neatly.

With no further goals from both sides after the regular time, extra time was needed to settle score for a winner to emerge after an intense encounter.

Omokwo again found space from a tight corner to score her brace and give Delta the lead, 2-1 for the first time after eight minutes into the first-half of the extra time.

Seven minutes later, captain Taiwo Afolabi grabbed a third for Delta Queens which in turn proved to be the match winner when she lob the ball past goalie Cynthia Djohore into the net.

However, captain Joy Sunday pulled one back for Athletico in the closing stage of the extra time, Delta remained in control to march onto the final.

Delta Queens showcased their credentials and remained on course for the top prize, the ticket to represent the region at the continental event later in the year.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Edo, Philip Shaibu had promised the Delta Queens N1 million for every goal scored in the match.

Shaibu made the pledge shortly before the team filed out for the semi final encounter to spur the performance of the Nigerian girls.