WAFU B Champions League: Edo Queens Face Hosts USFA in Semi-Final After Ampem Darkoa Defeat
Edo Queens will face hosts USFA in the semi-finals of the WAFU B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers after the Nigerian champions surrendered their perfect record with a 2-1 defeat to Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies.
The result, recorded on Sunday in Ouagadougou, saw Ampem Darkoa finish top of Group B with a perfect three wins from three matches, while Edo Queens advanced as runners-up.
Edo Queens made a bright start against Ampem Darkoa and took the lead after 11 minutes through Doosuur Anastasia.
However, the Ghanaian champions responded immediately after the interval, drawing level just a minute into the second half before completing the comeback with 12 minutes remaining.
Milot Abena Pokuaa’s dangerous free-kick caused confusion inside the Edo Queens penalty area and resulted in an own goal that ultimately settled the contest.
Despite the defeat, Edo Queens remain the highest-scoring team in the competition, having found the net 11 times in three group matches.
The Nigerian champions opened their campaign with a commanding 7-0 victory over AS Garde Nationale before defeating ASEC Mimosas 3-1.
They will now face a major test against hosts USFA, who completed the Group A campaign without conceding a goal.
USFA maintain perfect defensive record
USFA strengthened their credentials with a convincing 5-0 victory over ASKO de Kara at the 4th August Sports Stadium.
Deborah Guira and Comfort Yeboah both scored twice, while captain Dielawalea Stephanie Sow was also on target as the Burkina Faso champions completed the group stage unbeaten.
USFA scored eight goals across their three group matches and conceded none, setting up an intriguing semi-final against Edo Queens.
The clash will pit the tournament’s most prolific attack against its strongest defence.
ASKO de Kara needed only a draw to progress but their heavy defeat allowed FC Dynamique to advance as Group A runners-up.
The Beninese side secured qualification despite collecting just one point and failing to score in their two group matches.
Golden Boot race remains open
Edo Queens forwards Esther Moses and Doosuur Anastasia are among the leading scorers, with three goals each.
They are level with ASEC Mimosas forward Tatiana Kayaba, who scored a hat-trick in her side’s 5-0 victory over AS Garde Nationale.
With ASEC eliminated, Moses and Anastasia will have another opportunity to increase their tally when Edo Queens take on USFA.
The other semi-final will see Ampem Darkoa Ladies face FC Dynamique.
Ampem Darkoa are the only team to have won all their group matches, scoring seven goals and conceding just once.
The semi-finals promise contrasting battles, with Edo Queens’ attacking strength set to be tested against USFA’s disciplined defence, while Ampem Darkoa will look to maintain their perfect run against FC Dynamique.
The two winners will advance to the final and move closer to securing regional supremacy and qualification for the continental CAF Women’s Champions League stage.
