Ampem Darkoa Ladies, also known as the Nana Mma, have secured qualification for the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League. The Ghana Women’s Premier League champions from Techiman earned the WAFU Zone B slot by defeating Nigeria’s Edo Queens in the decisive resumption of their qualifying final in Cairo, Egypt, on October 29, 2026. This marks their second appearance at Africa’s premier women’s club competition.
The path to qualification was lengthy and contentious. On September 5, 2026, in the WAFU Zone B final in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Ampem Darkoa and Edo Queens finished level at 2-2 after regulation time. The match went to a penalty shootout, which Edo Queens won 4-1. However, Ampem Darkoa protested, citing regulations that required 30 minutes of extra time before a shootout. CAF’s Organising Committee for Women’s Football annulled the penalty result on September 26 and ordered the match to resume from the start of extra time.
The CAF Appeal Board upheld the decision on October 16, and different officials were appointed for the continuation in Cairo. Ampem Darkoa had dominated much of the earlier qualifying campaign in Burkina Faso, winning all four matches before the final. Their results included a 2-1 group-stage victory over Edo Queens and a 4-1 semi-final win against Benin’s FC Dynamique.
When play resumed in Cairo, Ampem Darkoa scored early in extra time from a corner to take a 3-2 lead overall. They withstood sustained pressure from the Nigerian side to hold on for victory. Coach Charles Anokye Frimpong’s team capitalized on the second chance and settled the tie without needing a further penalty shootout.
Ampem Darkoa will compete in Group B alongside defending champions AS FAR of Morocco, Kawempe Muslim Ladies of Uganda, and USFAS Bamako of Mali. The tournament runs from November 1 to 15, 2026, in Egypt. The Nana Mma now return to the continental stage with limited preparation time before the group phase begins.
Ampem Darkoa’s qualification ensures Ghanaian representation and provides a boost for women’s club football in the country. Their previous appearance in the competition ended with a fourth-place finish in 2023. The team will look to make an impact in the upcoming tournament.
The qualification process has been a significant achievement for Ampem Darkoa, who had to overcome challenges and protests to secure their spot. The team’s success will likely inspire other Ghanaian clubs and players to compete at the continental level.
Key points
- Ampem Darkoa Ladies qualify for 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League
- The team secured the WAFU Zone B slot by defeating Edo Queens
- Ampem Darkoa will compete in Group B alongside AS FAR, Kawempe Muslim Ladies, and USFAS Bamako
