Ampem Darkoa stun Edo Queens to top WAFU B group, set sights on final

Ampem Darkoa Ladies mounted a thrilling second-half comeback to defeat Nigeria's Edo Queens 2-1 in their final group match of the WAFU B Women's Champions League Qualifiers, securing top spot in Group B and a semi-final berth against host nation USFA.

The Techiman-based champions trailed at half-time after Edo Queens capitalised on a dominant opening period to take the lead. However, they emerged transformed after the interval, with Rebecca Asamani restoring parity early in the second half before Milot Pokuaa's stunning 78th-minute free kick proved decisive in a hard-fought encounter.

Ampem Darkoa's impressive turnaround

Arriving at the fixture level on six points with their Nigerian counterparts, both teams knew victory would guarantee top seeding in their group. The stakes were clear from the outset, yet it was Edo Queens who made the better start, controlling possession and threatening Ampem Darkoa's defence throughout the opening 45 minutes.

The breakthrough came for the Nigerian champions, who had beaten ASEC Mimosas in their previous outing. But Charles Anokye's Ampem Darkoa side, buoyed by an earlier victory over Niger's AS Garde Nationale, showed the resilience and attacking intent that has made them Ghana's dominant force in continental women's football in recent years.

The introduction of fresh tactics and increased intensity in the second period yielded immediate results. Asamani's equaliser within minutes of the restart shifted momentum decisively toward the Ghanaians. What followed was a masterclass in pressing football, with Ampem Darkoa creating multiple chances as they hunted for the winner.

The breakthrough came through Pokuaa, who showed exceptional composure to curl a direct free kick past Edo Queens' goalkeeper in the 78th minute. The Hasaacas Ladies loanee's technical excellence proved the difference-maker, and Ampem Darkoa held firm defensively to see out the remaining minutes and claim all three points.

Why it matters for Ghana

This victory underscores Ghana's standing as one of West Africa's elite women's football nations. Ampem Darkoa's ability to overturn a half-time deficit against experienced Nigerian opposition demonstrates the quality now embedded in the Ghanaian game at club level.

The semi-final clash against USFA offers Ampem Darkoa a genuine opportunity to reach the final of a major regional tournament, which would further elevate Ghana's profile ahead of continental competitions. Success here could signal another medal for Ghana's women's football programme and validate the investment in domestic league development.

Moreover, performances like this—coming from behind against strong opponents—showcase the mentality and tactical flexibility that coaches at national level will be monitoring closely as they plan for upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaigns and other international fixtures.

Road to the final

Ampem Darkoa will face USFA in the semi-finals, aiming to reach the tournament final. The Ghanaian champions have now demonstrated they can compete at the highest level of West African club football, with both their defensive organisation and attacking creativity tested and proven effective against quality opposition. Their remaining fixtures will be pivotal in determining whether they can claim the WAFU B title.