The race for glory at Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football tournament, the Prosperity Cup, has taken a dramatic turn as Afini Ladies and Golden Sun Sports Club join Bayelsa Stars Queens and Ezuogha Soccer Academy in the women’s semi-finals of the competition.
Afini Ladies Upset Crystal Stars in Thrilling Quarter-Final Clash
In a highly anticipated matchup at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, Afini Ladies pulled off a stunning upset by eliminating tournament favourites Crystal Stars in a tense penalty shootout. After a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time, Afini Ladies held their nerves to win 3-1 on penalties.
Last year’s highest goal scorer, Blessing Anderson, gave Afini Ladies the lead in the 46th minute with a brilliant team goal, only for Agba Praise to equalize from the penalty spot four minutes later. Crystal Stars, who came into the match boasting a dominant 13-0 victory in their opening fixture, struggled against a technically disciplined Afini Ladies side and ultimately fell short in the shootout.
Golden Sun Sports Club Dominate BYSCON Queens
The final quarter-final clash saw Golden Sun Sports Club cruise past Bayelsa State College of Nursing Sciences (BYSCON Queens) with an emphatic 5-0 victory.
It was a clinical attacking display, with Afuruku Anibarafa stealing the show with a hat trick (23’, 28’, 58’). Jessica Mark added another in the 24th minute, while captain Rebecca Iwowari’s towering header in the 31st minute sealed the dominant win.
Semi-Final Battles Set to Heat Up
With the quarter-finals concluded, attention now turns to the semi-finals, where:
- Bayelsa Stars Queens will face Ezuogha Soccer Academy
- Afini Ladies will battle Golden Sun Sports Club
With tensions rising and places in the final at stake, fans can expect high-intensity football as the best of grassroots women’s football go head-to-head.
Reactions from Coaches & Players
Afini Ladies head coach, Anthony Fouye, praised his team’s determination and resilience, admitting he was initially concerned by Crystal Stars’ dominant previous performances. However, his players showed character and tactical discipline, securing their place in the semis.
Crystal Stars coach Sese Ebimobowei, while disappointed with the result, acknowledged his team’s overconfidence as their undoing. He assured fans that Crystal Stars would return stronger next year.
Meanwhile, Afini Ladies’ forward Blessing Anderson expressed optimism, stating that her team is determined to reach the final, improving on their third-place finish last year.
With the Prosperity Cup reaching its climax, all eyes are now on the semi-finals, as the battle for grassroots football supremacy intensifies.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Prosperity Cup 2025!
