Edo Queens win WAFU B Women’s Champions League title

By Amaechi Agbo

Nigeria Women’s Football League champions Edo Queens have won the WAFU Zone B Women’s Champions League qualifying tournament after beating Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies 4-1 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in Ouagadougou.

The final was delayed for more than an hour because of heavy rain and strong winds, but once play began Ampem Darkoa made a fast start.

Berline Nyarko opened the scoring after just two minutes, firing home from close range to give the Ghanaian champions an early lead.

Edo Queens responded quickly, with Dooshima Tarnum equalising to make it 1-1 before half-time.

Ampem Darkoa regained the lead in the second half after Nancy Amoh was brought down in the penalty area.

Nyarko stepped up to convert the spot-kick for her second goal of the match and put the Ghanaian side back in front.

Edo Queens, however, refused to give in and substitute Oluebube Umejiaku scored a late equaliser to force the contest into a penalty shootout.

The Nigerian champions were the more composed side from the spot, winning 4-1 to secure the regional title and qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Their triumph completed a strong campaign in Burkina Faso, having beaten hosts USFA 5-1 in the semi-finals before overcoming Ampem Darkoa in the final.

Edo Queens also dominated the individual awards.

Doosuur Anastasia Atume won the Golden Boot after finishing the tournament with four goals and five assists, while 16-year-old teammate Oluwakemi Adegbuyi was named the competition’s best player and received the Golden Ball.

Ampem Darkoa goalkeeper Rose Teye Baah was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament after a series of impressive performances.

Earlier, Burkina Faso’s USFA claimed third place with a 4-1 victory over FC Dynamique of Benin.

Dielawelea Stephanie Sow scored twice, while Deborah Guira and Windkuuni Leslie also found the net for USFA. Ijeoma Anagha scored Dynamique’s consolation goal.