Bayelsa Queens have booked a place in the final of the Flying Officers’ Cup 2020 after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Edo Queens who have been denied the opportunity of remaining the title they won last year by virtue of the loss at the Guards Brigade Stadium, Abuja on Saturday.
The build-up to the tie had been characterised by war of words between the players of both teams who were involved in mind games with the aim of winning the mental battle before the start of the game.
At the commencement of hostilities, there was nothing much to separate between both teams in the first-half with both teams playing a cautious game and not in a hurry to take risks. The halftime ended goalless.
In the second half, Bayelsa Queens changed their tactics and were more adventurous but most of their attempts were foiled by desperate Edo Queens players. The moment of truth came in the 71st minute and goal came through an unlikely source.
Bayelsa Queens made forays into the 18 yard box of their opponents and Edo Queens defender, Jumoke Alani inadvertently knocked the ball beyond the reach of her goalkeeper, Sandra Chichi in her attempt to clear the ball out of safety.
It was the only goal of the game but it was enough to take the Restoration Ladies to the final of the Flying Officers Cup and thus affirmed that the tournament would be producing a new champions after the elimination of the defending champions, Edo Queens.
Bayelsa Queens will await the winner of Naija Ratels versus Nasarawa Amazons in the second semi-final slated for Saturday by 4 pm. The final comes up on Sunday in Abuja.
