On Saturday evening, Ampem Darkoa Ladies, the 2023 Ghana Women’s Premier League champions, were eliminated from the WAFU B Women’s Champions League Qualifiers after a 4‑1 penalty shootout loss to Edo Queens of Nigeria. The match, played in a wet, delayed start, ended 2‑2 after extra time, sending the teams to a shootout that saw Edo Queens clinch the regional berth for the CAF Women’s Champions League.
The game began with Ghana taking an early advantage. Milot Pokuaa set up Beline Nyarko, who scored after three minutes to give Ampem Darkoa a 1‑0 lead. Nigeria responded quickly, netting a minute later to level the score at 1‑1. After a break, Ampem Darkoa maintained possession and created several chances, including a controversial penalty in the 71st minute that Beline converted to restore the Ghanaian lead.
Despite holding onto the advantage, the Ghanaian side’s hopes were dashed when Edo Queens equalised in the 93rd minute, forcing the match into a penalty shootout. Edo Queens opened the shootout with three consecutive goals, while Ampem Darkoa missed their first two attempts before Beline scored the third. Edo Queens then converted their fourth penalty to secure a 4‑1 shootout victory.
With this defeat, Ghana will have no representation at the CAF Women’s Champions League for the third consecutive season. Edo Queens will represent the West African region at the continental tournament, marking their second appearance since 2024.
