Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies mounted a dramatic comeback to defeat Edo Queens 2-1, finishing top of Group B, while hosts USFA completed an impeccable unbeaten run with a 5-0 win over ASKO de Kara in the WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifiers in Ouagadougou on Sunday.
The results confirmed the semi-final line-up, with USFA set to face Edo Queens and Ampem Darkoa drawn against FC Dynamique.
Ampem Darkoa’s victory proved to be the tournament’s most unexpected outcome, ending Edo Queens’ flawless start and securing the Ghanaian side’s third consecutive group stage win.
The Nigerian champions initially took the lead through Doosuur Anastasia in the 11th minute, appearing on course to maintain their unbeaten streak.
Ampem Darkoa responded immediately after halftime, equalizing ten minutes into the second half before securing the win with a decisive own goal by Milot Abena Pokuaa in the 78th minute.
The victory sees Ampem Darkoa finish the group stage with seven goals scored and just one conceded, solidifying their status as a formidable contender in the tournament.
USFA Make Strong Statement
Hosts USFA delivered a commanding performance, dismantling ASKO de Kara 5-0 at the 4th August Sports Stadium to underscore their dominance.
Deborah Guira and Comfort Yeboah each netted twice, while captain Dielawalea Stephanie Sow added the fifth goal, ensuring USFA completed their group campaign without conceding a single goal.
With eight goals scored and zero conceded, USFA boasts one of the tournament’s most formidable defensive records.
ASKO required a draw to advance after their earlier 0-0 stalemate with FC Dynamique, but their heavy defeat allowed Dynamique to claim the Group A runner-up spot.
Despite collecting a single point and failing to score in two matches, the Benin side progressed to the semi-finals.
Edo Queens Remain a Major Threat
Though battered by Ampem Darkoa, Edo Queens retain their status as one of the competition’s most lethal attacking units.
They concluded Group B with 11 goals across three matches, the highest scoring tally in the tournament thus far.
Their potent offense will face USFA’s stingy defense in a semi-final clash of contrasting styles.
Edo Queens launched their campaign with a 7-0 demolition of AS Garde Nationale before defeating ASEC Mimosas 3-1, but Ampem Darkoa’s win denied them top-group honors.
In another Group B fixture, ASEC Mimosas rebounded from two losses to secure a 5-0 victory over AS Garde Nationale.
Golden Boot Race Narrows
The top scorer race has tightened among Edo Queens’ Esther Moses and Doosuur Anastasia, alongside ASEC Mimosas’ Tatiana Kayaba.
Kayaba’s hat-trick against AS Garde Nationale positioned her ahead, though ASEC’s exit has shifted the advantage toward the Nigerian duo.
Both players will have another chance to extend their goal tallies in the upcoming semi-finals.
Semi-Finals Promise Intrigue
The opening semi-final features USFA’s defensive solidity versus Edo Queens’ attacking prowess.
USFA enters the match confident after completing their group phase unbeaten, while Edo Queens aim to rebound from their first tournament loss.
Ampem Darkoa enters as favorites against FC Dynamique.
The Ghanaian side remains the only team to secure victory in all group matches, conceding just once, whereas FC Dynamique has yet to find the net.
With four teams remaining, the competition transitions to its decisive phase.
USFA and Ampem Darkoa have demonstrated consistency, yet Edo Queens’ attacking threat ensures unpredictability in the semi-finals.
Two spots in the final are now available, as WAFU B representatives draw closer to regional dominance and continental qualification.
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