Edo Queens have clinched the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League title following a dramatic comeback victory against Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies. The final, held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, saw the Nigerian champions twice come from behind to force a 2-2 draw before winning the decisive penalty shootout 4-1. This triumph also secures Edo Queens a spot in the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League finals.
The match itself was a thrilling encounter, marked by an early lead from Ampem Darkoa. Beline Nyarkoh opened the scoring for the Ghanaian side just two minutes into the game. However, Edo Queens quickly responded, with Doosuur Anastasia Atume levelling the score two minutes later. The 1-1 deadlock held for a significant portion of the match.
Dramatic Comeback Secures Victory
Ampem Darkoa regained the lead in the 74th minute when Nyarkoh scored her second goal of the night, putting her team in a strong position to claim the trophy. Despite appearing set for victory, Edo Queens mounted a late fightback. In the 94th minute, deep into stoppage time, Oluebube Umejiaku scored the equaliser, pushing the game into a penalty shootout.
During the shootout, Edo Queens displayed superior composure, converting four of their penalties. Ampem Darkoa, in contrast, only managed one successful attempt, leading to a 4-1 shootout victory for the Nigerian champions. This remarkable comeback sealed their regional title and their place in the continental competition.
The road to the final saw both teams deliver strong performances in their semi-final fixtures. Edo Queens had a dominant display, thrashing Burkina Faso’s USFA FC 5-1. Ampem Darkoa Ladies, who remained unbeaten throughout the tournament until the final, defeated Benin Republic’s FC Dynamique 4-1 to secure their spot in the final showdown.
This final was the second meeting between Edo Queens and Ampem Darkoa in the tournament. In their earlier Group B encounter, Ampem Darkoa had secured a 2-1 victory, which was Edo Queens’ only defeat in the competition prior to the final. This previous result provided additional motivation for the Nigerian champions, who were determined to avenge their group-stage loss and conclude their campaign with the WAFU-B trophy.
Tournament Journey and Individual Accolades
Edo Queens entered the final as the tournament’s leading goalscorers, having netted 16 goals in their campaign. Their journey began impressively with a 7-0 victory over AS Garde Nationale of the Niger Republic in their opening Group B fixture. They followed this with a 3-1 win against ASEC Mimosas of Côte d’Ivoire before their 2-1 setback against Ampem Darkoa.
The team’s strong performance was also reflected in the individual awards. Doosuur Anastasia Atume was awarded the Golden Boot, having finished the tournament with four goals and five assists. Her teammate, 16-year-old Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, was recognised as the competition’s best player, receiving the Golden Ball. Ampem Darkoa goalkeeper Rose Teye Baah was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament for her impressive displays.
Ahead of the final, confidence was high within the Edo Queens camp. The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, expressed his belief in the team’s ability to secure victory. He also acknowledged the support from Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and called for continued prayers from Nigerians.
The team captain, Uroko Valentina, also assured supporters of their readiness to overcome Ampem Darkoa. She highlighted the team’s journey as being built on faith and hard work, noting that lifting the trophy would be a significant achievement for Edo Queens. The final was delayed for over an hour due to heavy rain and strong winds, but once play commenced, Ampem Darkoa made a rapid start.
Earlier in the tournament, Burkina Faso’s USFA secured third place by defeating FC Dynamique of Benin 4-1. Dielawelea Stephanie Sow scored twice for USFA, with Deborah Guira and Windkuuni Leslie also finding the net, while Ijeoma Anagha scored the consolation goal for Dynamique.
The victory for Edo Queens means they will now represent West Africa at the CAF Women’s Champions League proper, which is scheduled to take place in South Africa later this year.
Source: channelstv.com
Ama Serwah
Yaw Appiah
Kwame Ofori
Evelyn Mensah