Home Jinx ends with Edo Queens Edge Heartland Queens in Owerri

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By Kingsley Uzowulu

Heartland Queens’ unbeaten home run came to an abrupt end on Wednesday following a narrow 0-1 defeat to Edo Queens in their Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) matchday 11 fixture at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

The Owerri team had approached the match with confidence, banking on their impressive home form to upset the former champions.

However, Edo Queens, known for their resilience in previous encounters, once again proved to be tough opposition.
Both teams reached a draw after contrasting matches.

Heartland Queens were still smarting from their 0-2 defeat to Ekiti Queens in Abeokuta, while Edo Queens were buoyed by a convincing 4-1 win over Bayelsa Queens in Benin.

Heartland Queens started strongly, dominating the opening exchanges and pushing the game into the visitors’ half.

Atulayo Amarachi led the initial charge, but the hosts were wasteful in front of goal despite creating several scoring chances.

Edo Queens, disciplined and compact at the back, absorbed the pressure and prevented the hosts from breaking through in the first half.

Seeking more attacking momentum, the Heartland Queens coaching crew introduced Azeez Samirat and James Emmanuel before the break, but the move yielded no results as both teams entered the break on equal terms.

The second half saw a more determined Edo Queens team, who executed their game plan with greater precision.

The turning point came in the 73rd minute, when Mafisere Kafayat scored from a long-range free kick, catching the Heartland goalkeeper by surprise and giving the visitors the decisive goal.

The home team reacted with greater urgency, throwing more players forward in search of an equalizer.

However, Edo Queens’ poor finishing and defensive discipline ensured the score remained unchanged.

Edo Queens held on to secure maximum points, completing a season double against Heartland Queens, having earlier won the reverse fixture by the same margin in Benin.

The result leaves Heartland Queens on 11 points, while Edo Queens strengthen their position with 24 points from 11 games.