2021 FA Cup finalist Ampem Darkoa Ladies came from a goal down to beat first time participants, Army Ladies by 2-1 on Monday, May 9, 2022, at the Bantama Astroturf in the Ashanti Region capital, Kumasi.
Both teams looked well-prepared for the encounter, but the best team took the glory on the day.
The services team, Army Ladies did everything possible to prevent Ampem Darkoa ladies from reaching the FA Cup final in that their defensive line was up to the task in the first department of the game. They did what they could to stop the Ampem Darkoa front line from getting a goal.
In the 3rd minute, Rakia Aryeequaye (Army Ladies) with a good run into the half of Ampem Darkoa Ladies sent in a teasing cross into the box.
Goalkeeper Safiatu Salifu (Ampem Darkoa) couldn’t find her hand on the ball, and Zenabu Mumuni launched an error tap on the ball into the net, giving Army Ladies the lead in the first half.
Goalkeeper for Army Ladies, Mary Sosu made a magnificent save from Ophelia Amponsah’s right power-footed shoot in the 39th minute.
In the 42nd minute, Adama Alhassan delivered a teasing cross into the box; but no Army Ladies player was there to finish the beautiful move.
Army Ladies took full possession of the game in the first half, making things very difficult for Ampem Darkoa ladies.
However, the 3-5-2 system for the travelers worked in their favor. They sat comfortably, sending long balls into the final turf of their opponent.
After the recess, Ampem Darkoa continued where they ended in the first half, keeping their passes short, finding out spaces to plant in the balls whilst Army Ladies kept their long ball to their flanks to create more havoc for their compatriot.
Mary Amponsah got the equalizer for her side in the early minutes into the second half. A long ball was sent in which she controlled with her head and kicked past her two markers into the post.
Ophelia Amponsah got a penalty for her side in the 68th minute to double the lead. Mary Sosu stood up boldly in the 71st minute and prevented Ophelia Amponsah’s spot-kick.
Safiatu Salifu made a spectacular save from Zenabu Mumuni’s amazing powerful shoot in the 64th minute, to deny Army Ladies a second goal.
A free kick by Justice Tweneboa was sent into the 18-yard box as Mary Amponsah rose and headed the ball past Mary Sosu in the additional added time of (90+3) to give Ampem Darkoa a 2-1 victory.
The 2021 finalists, Ampem Darkoa Ladies have booked another FA Cup final slot, waiting for the winners between Hassacas Ladies and Ash-Town Ladies on Wednesday.
Brent Kojo Amenuvor
Ewurama Acheampoma