Caf Women Champions League: Massoudy’s hat-trick takes AS FAR past Rivers Angels
The reigning Nigerian women’s queens began their continental campaign on a losing note against a solid Moroccan outfit
Rivers Angels bowed 3-0 to AS FAR on Saturday evening to commence their Caf Women Champions League campaign on a sour note.
Sanaa Massoudy was the hero as she scored all goals as Abadallah Haidamou’s women subdued the most successful Nigerian team ever.
In the game staged at the Al Salam Stadium, the Moroccans opened the scoring in the 31st minute through Massoudy.
The Port Harcourt based outfit stepped up their game in the second half, albeit, it was the North Africans who doubled their advantage through the striker in the 73rd minute.
With six minutes left on the clock, Massoudy completed her treble to become the first player in the competition’s history to score a hat-trick.
“I’m very happy to be the first player to score a hat-trick in WCL, I dedicate it to my father who passed away,” Massoudy said after the game.
“My favourite goal of the hat-trick was the second one because I showed my capabilities and skills in it. It’s all due to my team’s efforts.”
Prior to the match, coach Abadallah Haidamou had talked up his team’s chances against the Nigerian side, expressing his desire to win the competition.
“We prepared with nine friendly matches, plus two national team matches in which 12 players of our team participated with the national team,” he told Caf website.
“Our players are ready both physically and mentally. We know the first match is a statement and we work on that by studying the team as well as the other teams in the group. Each team has their own strengths, and we are prepared for this.
“We wanted a Women’s Champions league for a long time, so we are now happy we get to showcase our capabilities.
“I won the champions league with AS FAR as a player in 1985 and I want to double that achievement by winning this title with my team.”
Following this setback, Edwin Okon’s team would be aiming to bounce back to winning ways against Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies on Tuesday.
The South Africans began their campaign on a positive note – defeating Kenya’s Vihiga Queens 1-0 at Al Salam Stadium.
Melinda Kgadiete’s third-minute strike separated both teams in the keenly contested affair.
