Battle for Women's Champions League slot: Ampem Darkoa’s date with destiny
Ghana's Ampem Darkoa Ladies have a date with destiny this afternoon as they confront Nigerian powerhouse, Delta Queens, in the finale of the WAFU Zone B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifying competition. It promises to be a clash that offers a unique shot at redemption following their heart-wrenching loss in the same tournament last year.
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This high-stakes encounter at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium holds profound significance for the "Nana Mma" team, as they aim to rectify the heartbreak they endured and clinch the sole ticket to Africa's Women's Champions League competition in Cote d'Ivoire. Last year, Ampem Darkoa suffered a 0-3 defeat against Nigeria’s Bayelsa Queens in the final of the qualifiers and missed the chance to participate in the continental competition.
This afternoon, the Ghanaians are not only aiming to secure the coveted title but are also driven by a desire for revenge, seeking to make Delta Queens pay for the 'sins' of Bayelsa Queens and to script a new chapter in their footballing odyssey.
Journey to the final
Ampem Darkoa Ladies' journey to the final has been nothing short of spectacular, as they dismantled each opponent in their path with decisive wins against Group B rivals, Amis Du Monde, (4-2) and Athletico Abidjan (3-0) before a resounding 6-1 thrashing of Benin’s Sam Nelly in the semi-final. This time, they aim to finish the campaign in style against a formidable opponent.
Leading their attack today will be star striker, Mary Amponsah, who has been the principal architect behind their success, scoring all seven of their goals in the first two matches. In their last match against Sam Nelly last Monday, it was midfielder Tracy Twum who stole the show with a hat-trick, while players like Ophelia Serwaa Amponsah and Nancy Amoh also left their mark on the scoresheet.
It was a demonstration of the team's strength in depth and the wide range of scoring options available to Coach Nana Joe Adarkwah as the Ghanaian champions aim to seize the moment with another spirited performance against the Nigerians to claim the top prize in the competition.
Formidable opponents
Delta Queens, the reigning champions of the Nigeria Women Football League, are expected to provide a tough challenge for the Ghanaians.
Their path to the final included a decisive 2-0 victory against Sam Nelly, a commanding 3-0 win against USFA, and a thrilling comeback from behind to conquer Athletico FC with a 3-2 win in the semi-final clash last Monday.
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This afternoon’s showdown will determine the representative from WAFU Zone B for the third edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League to be held in November in Cote d’Ivoire.
The squad for today - Let’s go #Nanamma🔥🇬🇭 #Nanamma!👑🤍💙 pic.twitter.com/xkOVF7kOnk
— Ampem Darkoa Ladies FC 2022/23 MGWPL Champions🥇🏆 (@ampem_fc) August 31, 2023