Ghana Women’s Premier League champions Ampem Darkoah walked through the valley and shadow of tiredness to seal qualification to the CAF Champions League over Africa Sports of Ivory Coast in a dramatic [6-5]penalties shootout in Yamoussoukro.
The Ivorian champions unsettled the Ghanaian side as early as the second minutes of the game, following the dribbling of numerous defenders in the box after which they tossed a powerful curling shot into the left corner of the Ghanaian champions and kept dominating, winning most 50-50 balls in midfield, while Ampem Darkoa remained compact in defense.
Ampem Darkoa warmed into the game on the 28th-minute were forced to settle for a 1 goal to nil in the favor of the Ivory Coast giants in halftime.
The ‘Nananom’ ladies picked up the pieces after recess, dominated every department of the game. In the 60th minute, former Ladies Striker player Gladys Anfobea got the equaliser.
After the level peaked in the second half, both teams thrilled their fans with an exciting football display. However, Ophelia Amponsah of Darkoa ladies was shown the exit in the 66th minute following a verbal exchange with the center referee.
The game kept going whiles the Ghanaian ambassadors stood their grounds till the end of the game which resulted in a 1-1 stalemate.
Shot stopper Safiatu Salifu stole the headlines with a save of the last penalty to book her side the qualification to the CAF Champions League in Morocco. Meanwhile, Ampem Darkoa Ladies will be waiting for the winner between Bayelsa Queens FC and Espoir FC de Cotonou in the final of CAF Champions League qualifiers.
