Edo Queens secured the WAFU Zone B Women’s Champions League qualifying tournament title on Saturday night after overcoming Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The Nigerian champions twice rallied from a deficit to force a 2-2 draw in regulation time before prevailing 4-1 in the decisive penalty shootout at the August 4 Stadium.
Edo Queens Claim WAFU-B Title in Dramatic Comeback
According to cafonline.com, the final experienced a delay of over an hour due to heavy rain and strong winds. When play commenced, Ampem Darkoa established an immediate advantage when Beline Nyarko scored just minutes into the match. Edo Queens responded swiftly, as Doosuur Anastasia Atume—also referred to in reports as Dooshima Tarnum—equalised to level the score.
The Ghanaian champions reclaimed the lead in the second half after Nancy Amoh was brought down in the penalty area, allowing Nyarko to convert the spot-kick for her second goal of the night. Facing a late deficit and a repeat of their earlier 2-1 group-stage defeat against the same opponents, Premium Times reported that the Nigerian side produced a resilient fightback deep into stoppage time.
Stoppage-Time Equaliser Forces Decisive Penalties
Substitute Oluebube Umejiaku delivered the equalising goal in the fourth minute of added time, bringing the score to 2-2 and forcing the contest into a penalty shootout. In the shootout, the Nigerian team demonstrated superior composure.
According to aclsports.com, Atume Doosuur, Valentina Uroko, Zaniab Olopade, and Ifeoma Ikenokwalu successfully converted their attempts for Edo Queens. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ademola Morufat saved a penalty from Rabiatu Maltiti, and Ampem Darkoa’s Millot Pokuaa missed her attempt, leaving Nyarko as the sole successful scorer for the Ghanaian side in the 4-1 shootout decision.
The victory capped off a strong tournament run in Burkina Faso, which included a 5-1 semi-final victory over hosts USFA. For Ampem Darkoa, the defeat ended a four-match winning streak and halted their pursuit of a return to the continental competition, as noted by the Ghana Football Association.
Individual Awards and CAF Champions League Qualification
Alongside the regional trophy, the victory secured Edo Queens a qualification spot in the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League finals. The Nigerian club previously captured the regional crown during their 2024 debut campaign, later finishing fourth at the continental tournament that same year.
Several players from both teams received recognition during the post-tournament awards ceremony:
- Doosuur Anastasia Atume: Won the Golden Boot and Top Scorer award after finishing the tournament with four goals and five assists.
- Oluwakemi Adegbuyi: The 16-year-old was named Player of the Tournament and received the Golden Ball for her consistent impact and leadership.
- Rose Teye Baah: The Ampem Darkoa goalkeeper was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
Additionally, the third-place match saw hosts USFA defeat FC Dynamique of Benin 4-1, with goals from Dielawelea Stephanie Sow, Deborah Guira, and Windkuuni Leslie, alongside a consolation goal from Ijeoma Anagha.
