Nyarkoh’s brace earns Woman of the Match award despite Ampem Darkoa defeat

Beline Nyarkoh was named Woman of the Match after scoring twice for Ampem Darkoa in the WAFU-B final, although Edo Queens eventually secured qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League with a 4-1 penalty shoot-out victory.

The final finished 2-2 after 90 minutes at the Stade du 4-Aout, with Nyarkoh scoring in the opening minutes before converting a penalty to complete her brace. Her second goal put Ampem Darkoa on the verge of securing Zone B’s only place in the continental competition.

Edo Queens, who had been beaten 2-1 by Ampem Darkoa in the group stage, refused to be beaten again. They equalised in stoppage time through Oluebube Umejiaku and then showed greater composure in the shoot-out to claim the qualification place.

Nyarkoh’s award reflected her influence throughout a final that Ampem Darkoa controlled for long periods. The Ghanaian No. 17 was her side’s most dangerous attacking player and continued the form that had made her a key figure during their run in the tournament.

She had already scored in earlier rounds as Ampem Darkoa won all of their matches before the final was decided on penalties. Her two goals in the competition’s decisive match made her the standout player on the night, even though they were not enough to send the Ghanaian club through to the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Ampem Darkoa did take individual honours from Burkina Faso. Their goalkeeper, Rose Teye Baah, was named Best Goalkeeper of the competition.

Edo Queens collected the main team trophy as well as three other major awards. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi was named Best Player, while Doosur Anastasia finished as the competition’s Top Scorer.

For Nyarkoh, the Woman of the Match award provides recognition for a performance that came close to delivering qualification for Ghana. She scored twice in the biggest match of the tournament and gave Ampem Darkoa a strong position after they had controlled much of the contest.

However, Umejiaku’s late equaliser changed the outcome before Edo Queens held their nerve from the spot. Their 4-1 shoot-out win ensured they would represent Zone B in the CAF Women’s Champions League, while Ampem Darkoa were left with individual recognition after a campaign in which they had won every match before the final’s penalty decider.