Ampem Darkoa Ladies' hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League ended in disappointment after a 2-0 defeat to defending champions AS FAR, with goalkeeper Rose Baah's dismissal proving a major turning point.
The Ghanaian champions had made a promising start to the Group B campaign, beating Mali's USFAS Bamako 5-1 before edging Uganda's Kawempe Muslim Ladies 2-1.
However, their final group match against AS FAR took a dramatic turn shortly after the break. Baah had kept Ampem Darkoa in the contest by saving a crucial penalty on the stroke of half-time to deny the Moroccan side the opening goal.
But just five minutes into the second half, the goalkeeper was sent off after appearing to stomp on an opponent's lower abdomen after collecting the ball.
Her dismissal left Ampem Darkoa with ten players as they attempted to keep their campaign alive. AS FAR went on to secure a 2-0 victory, ending the Ghanaian side's hopes of progressing.
The result left AS FAR, Kawempe Muslim Ladies and Ampem Darkoa level on six points in Group B. Since all three teams had beaten USFAS Bamako, their matches against the Malian side were excluded from the head-to-head calculations.
The final standings were therefore decided by results among the three tied teams, with Ampem Darkoa finishing third in the mini-table and missing out on the semi-finals.
Despite winning two of their three group matches and scoring seven goals, the Ghanaian champions will return home disappointed.
Charles Anokye Frimpong's side must now turn their attention to the Women's Premier League as they look to defend their domestic title and secure another chance to compete in Africa.
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