Ampem Darkoa beat Delta Queens to lift WAFU-B Women’s Champions League title

By Saheed Afolabi

Ghanaian Women’s Premier League giants, Ampem Darkoa have emerged champions of the third edition of the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League following a 1-0 win over Delta Queens in Benin City on Thursday.

A 43rd minute strike from Ophelia Amponsah handed last year’s runners-up the title of the the regional showpiece and the second qualifying ticket to the 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League in Ivory Coast.

Both sides came into the finals on the back of an impressive semi-final triumphs, but Delta Queens dominated proceedings from the start of the referee whistle but couldn’t convert their chances against the solid Ghanaians.

The Pearls defense stood tall to pocket the tournament’s highest goal scorer Mary Amponsah. However, a costly mistake from the Delta Queens goalkeeper Mgbechi Anderline provided Amponsah the opportunity to blast home the lead in the 43rd minute.

The introduction of Mercy Omokwo in the second half for Folajomi Olabiyi brightened the attack of Delta Queens and gave more creativity going forward.

However, the removal of Taiwo Afolabi for Esther Inyang failed to lighten the middle of the pack for the Pearls in a game they had total control of.

Omokwo was at the center of the attacking threat of Delta Queens but couldn’t find a way past the resolute Ampem Darkoa side.

The Ghanaian side emerged champions of the regional showpiece qualifiers for the first time in their history and became the second Ghana team after Hasaacas Ladies to achieve the memorable feat.