Onyinyechi Kalu's 82nd minute lone strike proved decisive to hand Coach Obi Ogbala his fourth wins and historic semifinals ticket at the ongoing 2024 Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) in the ancient city of Benin, Edo state, Nigeriasoccernet.com gathered.
The BOWFT quarterfinals clash on Saturday at the turf of Western Boys High School in Benin City saw the Owerri mainstreams edge a resilient and stubborn Beninois Championnat National Feminine champions, Espoir FC de Cotonou.
The Benin Republic side had their captain and Nigerian goalkeeper, Ifunanya Judith Chiaka and defense to thank for the slim goal margin as well as the Owerri landladies' wastefulness at the finishing areas.
The first forty five minutes were played in the half of the visitors who sat back to thwart every incursion at their vital areas, the opposite hardly troubled the Owerri side's goalie, Uchechi Onyechere who was almost on holiday for the entire duration.
Chances came in numbers but Heartland Queens' captain, Chimebere Opara, Emmanuella James, Oluchi Okwara and of course, the eventual match winner, Onyinyechi Kalu were not able to guide their foot right in the proper direction. Faith Samson came close, too in few occasions to caress and rattle the crossbar.
The dingdong affair continued deep into the game to pile intense pressure on the Owerri side who with every second that passes were becoming more desperate to break down the backline of the opponents and get the critical goal which eventually came in a goal mouth melee fashion as the ball dropped nicely for the prowling workaholic, Kalu to finish with aplomb.
The Owerri side have now made history with its first time ever qualification to the last four of the yearly preseason showpiece in its fourth year and the premier leaguers have been all-time players. The Owerri side are the only team in the BOWFT that guaranteed the elimination of the two foreign invited top-flights from Benin Republic, Aigle Royal d'Adjara and Espoir FC de Cotonou.
Heartland Queens will now face former BOWFT champions and third best club side in Africa, Bayelsa Queens in the semifinals due to hold on Monday at the turf of Western Boys High School.
The former Nigerian champions, Bayelsa Queens defeated hard fighting NWFL Championship side Fortress Ladies with two un-replied goals in the first quarterfinals to pave the way for the impending semifinals clash and first time ever between the Nigerian top-flights.
Credit: Heartland Queens Media