Ampem Darkoa Ladies, the reigning champions from Ghana, displayed their commanding prowess and emerged triumphant in the WAFU Zone B Women’s CAF Champions League final.
Their determined and resolute performance resulted in a lone goal against Nigeria’s Delta Queens at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, securing their spot in the third edition of the esteemed CAF Women’s Champions League.
Right from the outset, the ‘Nanamma’ girls asserted their dominance, outclassing their opponents across various facets of the match. Despite their undeniable control, the scoreboard remained unaltered during the initial 30 minutes of the game.
The breakthrough arrived during the 43rd minute, as Ampem Darkoa Ladies capitalized on a set piece opportunity. Nancy Amoh delivered an expertly crafted free kick from the right flank. The goalkeeper struggled to manage the delivery, allowing the ball to find its way to Ophelia Amponsah, who adeptly guided it into the net, bestowing her team with a 1-0 lead. This advantage held firm as the first half reached its conclusion.
With the commencement of the second half, both squads resumed with renewed vigor, engaging in an intense contest characterized by exhilarating and evenly-matched exchanges. Delta Queens heightened their offensive efforts, showcasing determination and purpose in their quest for an equalizer. Simultaneously, Ampem Darkoa maintained a vigilant defensive posture, aiming to safeguard their precious lead.
In the 87th minute, Delta Queens came perilously close to restoring parity, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. However, goalkeeper Aishetu Fatao Awini responded swiftly, adeptly addressing the situation and thwarting a potential goal.
As the referee’s final whistle reverberated through the stadium, signaling the end of extra time, Ampem Darkoa Ladies emerged as the victors of the 2023 WAFU Zone B Qualifiers. Their unwavering performance has earned them the privilege of advancing to the esteemed 2023 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League. This triumph stands as a testament to their remarkable skill and unyielding determination in the realm of women’s football.
