Ampem Darkoa chase CAF glory as Milot Pokuaa seeks redemption in WAFU B final against Edo Queens

Ampem Darkoa Ladies stand on the brink of a historic achievement this weekend, with a place in the CAF Women's Champions League at stake as they battle Edo Queens of Nigeria in the WAFU B regional final on Saturday, 5 September. The Techiman-based club, led by coach Charles Anokye Frimpong, have yet to taste defeat in the tournament, securing four consecutive victories to reach the decider.

The clash carries particular significance for Ghanaian women's football. A victory would mark Ampem Darkoa's second appearance at the continental championship, following their impressive semifinal run in 2023 when they became only the second Ghanaian club after Hasaacas Ladies to reach that stage in the competition's maiden edition. The winners of Saturday's final will earn qualification to the main CAF Women's Champions League tournament scheduled for later this year.

Milot Pokuaa's unlikely journey to redemption

The narrative of this final is inseparable from one player's extraordinary resilience. Milot Pokuaa, Ampem Darkoa's standout performer, carries an unfinished story from five years ago when she suffered a career-threatening injury during Hasaacas Ladies' participation in this same WAFU B competition in 2021. That injury sidelined her from professional football for nearly five years until her return last season.

Now, Pokuaa has become instrumental to Ampem Darkoa's push for the title. She has netted four goals in the tournament and provided one assist—contributing to five of the eleven goals her team has scored. Her dominance on the pitch masks a deeper personal battle; she is not merely chasing a trophy but reclaiming the opportunity that injury robbed her of in 2021. If Ampem Darkoa prevail, Pokuaa will finally experience the CAF continental stage that eluded her five years earlier.

A contest between regional powerhouses

Edo Queens represent a formidable challenge. The reigning Nigerian champions have been the tournament's highest-scoring side and enter the final with only one defeat—a 2-1 loss to Ampem Darkoa in the group stage. The Nigerians demolished AS Garde Nationale 7-0 in their opener and later thrashed ASEC Mimosas 3-1 before dismantling host team USFA 5-1 in the semifinals.

Ampem Darkoa's path to the final has been equally convincing. They defeated defending champions ASEC Mimosas in their opening fixture, dominated AS Garde Nationale, and secured a comeback victory over Edo Queens to top Group B. Their semifinal performance was particularly impressive, with goals from Pokuaa (two), Rebecca Assemani, and Gloria Adomako delivering a 4-1 victory over Benin's Dynamique FC.

Why it matters for Ghana

A Ghanaian victory would reinforce the nation's status as a powerhouse in West African women's football. Historically, the WAFU B Women's Champions League Qualifiers have been dominated by clubs from Ghana and Nigeria, with only one exception—when Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas won last year, defeating Nigeria's Bayelsa Queens. This year's final guarantees that either Ghana or Nigeria will represent the region at the continental tournament.

Beyond the trophy, the match underscores the growing competitiveness and quality of women's football in Ghana. Ampem Darkoa's journey, alongside the individual comeback story of Pokuaa, demonstrates the resilience within Ghanaian football and offers an inspiring narrative that transcends sport. A victory on Saturday would provide momentum heading into the CAF Women's Champions League and boost confidence in Ghana's ability to compete at the highest level of African women's football.

The final kicks off at 19:00 GMT on Saturday, 5 September.