Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership Champions Rivers Angels on Saturday night outclassed their Ghanaian counterparts Hasaacas Ladies in their opening game of the UFOA B qualifying tournament for the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League.
Playing at the Stade Robert Champroux in Abidjan, Coted’voire, Rivers Angels defeated their opponents 2-0 to not only begin on a good note but move themselves one step closer to the semi final stage.
Midfielder Deborah Abiodun gave Angels the lead in the 17th minute when she finished a fine cross by Vivian Ikechukwu and Angels held on till half time, dominating the high octane encounter.
The Nigerians, led by former Super Falcons coach Edwin Okon continued from where they stopped in the first half and quite deservedly added a second goal seven minutes after the break.
Winger Maryann Ezenagu weaved her way past the Hasaacas defence, beat team captain Janet Egyir before rounding goalkeeper Grace Boadu and slotting into the net to make Angels’ lead healthy.
Ezenagu was a constant thorn in Hasaacas’ flesh and was rewarded for her exploit with the Player of the Match award at the end of the thrilling encounter.
Rivers Angels will now face Nigerien side AS Police in their second group game on Tuesday at the same stadium. They will book a place in the semi final if they avoid defeat against their neighbours.
In the competition’s opening game on Saturday, Coted’voire Champions Onze Soeurs suffered a shock 0-1 loss in the hands of Burkina Faso champions USFA to cast shadows over their qualification for the semi final stage.
Sunday and Monday will be observed as rest days in the six-team competition before action resumes on Tuesday.
Photo Credit: SIKA Photos
