Edo Queens surrender lead as Ampem Darkoa snatch Group B top spot

Posted : 01 September 2026

Edo Queens' hopes of finishing the 2026 WAFU-B Women’s Champions League qualifying campaign on top of Group B were dashed after Ampem Darkoa fought back from a goal down to defeat the Nigerian champions 2-1 in their final group fixture.

The defeat meant Edo Queens finished second on six points, behind Ampem Darkoa on goal difference, despite both teams recording two victories from their three group matches.

Edo Queens appeared on course to secure the result they needed after Anastasia Atume gave the Nigerian champions an early advantage in the 11th minute.

The early goal provided Edo Queens with a strong platform, but they were unable to build on their advantage as Ampem Darkoa gradually found their way back into the contest.

The Ghanaian side returned from the interval with greater urgency and were rewarded almost immediately when Rebecca Assemani restored parity in the 46th minute.

The equaliser shifted the momentum firmly in favour of Ampem Darkoa, with Edo Queens struggling to regain the control they enjoyed after taking the lead.

The Ghanaian champions eventually completed the turnaround in the 78th minute when Milot Pokuaa produced the decisive moment, converting a free-kick to make it 2-1.

Edo Queens pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but could not find a way past the Ghanaian defence, leaving Ampem Darkoa to claim maximum points and top spot in the group.

The result leaves Group B finely poised at the top, with both Ampem Darkoa and Edo Queens finishing on six points.

ASEC Mimosas ended the campaign in third position with three points, while AS GNN finished bottom without a point.

Group B Final Standings

Ampem Darkoa – 6 points
Edo Queens – 6 points
ASEC Mimosas – 3 points
AS GNN – 0 points

Despite missing out on top spot, Edo Queens remain firmly in contention for a place in the final and will now have to negotiate another difficult test against hosts USFA of Burkina Faso in the semi-finals.

Ampem Darkoa, meanwhile, will face Dynamique in the other semi-final.

Semi-Final Fixtures

USFA (Burkina Faso) vs Edo Queens (Nigeria)

Dynamique vs Ampem Darkoa (Ghana)

For Edo Queens, the loss serves as a warning ahead of the knockout stage: taking the lead will count for little if they cannot manage the game effectively and withstand the response of a quality opponent.

The Nigerian champions will now need to put the disappointment behind them quickly, as the margin for error disappears in the semi-finals and one poor performance could bring their continental ambition to an end.

Edo Queens surrender lead as Ampem Darkoa snatch Group B top spot

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