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Edo Queens Retain WAFU-B Title After Dramatic Win Over Ampem Darkoa

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Edo Queens have successfully defended their WAFU-B Women’s Champions League title after beating Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies on penalties in a thrilling final in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on Saturday night.

The Nigerian champions came from behind twice to draw 2-2 after 90 minutes before winning the penalty shootout 4-1.

The victory not only handed Edo Queens another regional title but also secured their place in the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.

Ampem Darkoa made a fast start and took the lead in the second minute through Beline Nyarkoh.

Edo Queens responded quickly, with Doosuur Anastasia Atume scoring just two minutes later to make it 1-1.

The game remained level for a long period before Nyarkoh struck again in the 74th minute to put the Ghanaian side 2-1 ahead.

With time running out, Edo Queens refused to give up. Oluebube Umejiaku scored in the fourth minute of added time to bring the Nigerian side level and send the final into a penalty shootout.

Edo Queens then showed great composure from the spot, scoring four penalties while Ampem Darkoa managed just one as the Nigerian side secured a 4-1 shootout victory.

The win was especially important for Edo Queens after Ampem Darkoa had beaten them 2-1 in the group stage.

Edo Queens responded strongly in the knockout stages, defeating hosts USFA 5-1 in the semi-finals, while Ampem Darkoa beat FC Dynamique 4-1 to reach the final.

The regional title is Edo Queens’ second, after they first won the competition in 2024 during their debut campaign.

They later finished fourth at the CAF Women’s Champions League that year and will now get another chance to compete against Africa’s top women’s clubs.

There was also individual success for the Nigerian champions. Doosuur Anastasia finished as the tournament’s top scorer, while Oluwakemi Adegbuyi was named Player of the Tournament.

Edo Queens will now turn their attention to the CAF Women’s Champions League, hoping to go further than their fourth-place finish in 2024.