Ampem Darkoa Ladies’ hopes of reaching the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League have been dashed at the final hurdle after a penalty shootout defeat to Nigeria’s Edo Queens in the WAFU Zone B final in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
The Ghanaian champions were beaten 4-1 on penalties after a pulsating final ended 2-2 after regulation time at the August 4 Stadium on Saturday.
Ampem Darkoa had entered the decisive encounter with a perfect record, having won all four of their previous matches in the competition, but their impressive campaign ultimately ended without the continental qualification prize.
The Ghanaian side made the ideal start when Beline Nyarko struck in the second minute, putting Ampem Darkoa ahead before Edo Queens responded just two minutes later through Doosuur Anastasia Atume.
The early exchanges set the tone for a closely fought contest, with neither side able to establish a decisive advantage before the end of regulation time.
Ampem Darkoa had already demonstrated their quality earlier in the tournament, including a 4-1 semi-final victory over Benin’s FC Dynamique d’Abomey.
They had also defeated Edo Queens 2-1 during the group stage, raising hopes that the Ghanaian champions could complete their campaign with another victory over the Nigerian side.
Edo Queens, however, produced a determined performance in the final to stay level and force the contest into a penalty shootout.
The Nigerians proved more composed from the spot, converting all four of their penalties, while Ampem Darkoa scored only once as Edo Queens secured a 4-1 shootout victory.
The result handed Edo Queens the WAFU Zone B title and the region’s ticket to the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League.
Edo Queens had earlier booked their place in the final with a convincing 5-1 victory over hosts USFA in the semi-finals, completing a strong campaign with the regional championship.
For Ampem Darkoa, the defeat represents a painful end to an otherwise outstanding tournament, having maintained a 100 percent record until the final.
There was individual recognition for the Ghanaian side, however, as Beline Nyarko was named Most Valuable Player of the finals after her impressive performances throughout the competition.
Edo Queens will now carry the WAFU Zone B flag into the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League, while Ampem Darkoa will reflect on a campaign that came within a penalty shootout of continental qualification.
