Ampem Darkoa Ladies are winners of the CAF Champions League WAFU Zone B qualifying competition

Ampem Darkoa win WAFU Zone B Cup, grab ticket to Champions League

Beatrice Laryea Sports News Aug - 31 - 2023 , 17:24

Ampem Darkoa Ladies won the CAF Champions League WAFU Zone B qualifying competition after defeating Delta Queens of Nigeria 1-0 in the final on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Nigeria.

The first half saw a spirited and balanced contest, with the Ghanaian team relentlessly pressing for an early breakthrough as Delta Queens held strong in defence.

However, the decisive moment arrived in the 43rd minute when Ophelia Serwaa Amponsah's precision strike secured the lead that Ampem Darkoa Ladies would fiercely defend to earn the coveted ticket from the zone for the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League scheduled to take place in Cote d’Ivoire in November.

In their journey to the final, free-scoring Ampem Darkoa registered some remarkable victories against Amis Du Monde (4-2), Athletico Abidjan (3-1) and Sam Nelly FC (6-1).

However, in the final showdown yesterday, Coach Nana Joe Adarkwa’s side needed only a solitary goal to secure the ultimate prize. Serwaa Amponsah's expertly executed tap-in, connecting with Nancy Amoh's precision free kick, finally shattered the resilient defence of the Nigerian champions to earn their spot in the continental showdown.

It was a sweet redemption for Ampem Darkoa, especially after narrowly missing out on the slot during last year's qualifiers.

After recess, the Nigerians took charge of possession and forced Ampem Darkoa to play it tight in defence to ward off goal-scoring attempts by their opponents who were prevented from scoring a late equalising goal through the efforts of goalkeeper Aishetu Fatau Awuni who made a brilliant save of a goal-bound shot in the 87th minute to ensure a clean sheet.

The celebration was twofold for Ampem Darkoa's forward Mary Amponsah who claimed the tournament’s top scorer prize with eight goals to her credit. Nancy Amoh won the Woman of the Match award for today's game.