The final of the UFOA-B Women’s qualifying tournament between Nigeria’s Edo Queens and Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies was suspended shortly after kick-off because of severe weather in Ouagadougou on Saturday evening.
The match was being played at Stade du 4-Aout when heavy rain and strong winds forced the officials to halt proceedings. The decision was taken as a precaution, with the conditions considered unsuitable for the safety of the players and everyone else on the pitch.
No decision has yet been announced on when the final will resume. Match authorities are expected to provide an update based on how the weather develops.
The interruption came only a few minutes after the start of a match carrying major significance for both clubs. As well as deciding the UFOA-B title, the final offers the winner direct qualification for the next CAF Women’s Champions League.
For Edo Queens and Ampem Darkoa Ladies, the suspension has therefore put both the regional championship and a place in Africa’s leading women’s club competition on hold.
The match had reached its opening stages at Stade du 4-Aout before the worsening conditions made it necessary for the referees to intervene. With rain falling heavily and winds affecting the playing environment, the officials temporarily stopped the contest rather than allow the players and other participants to remain at risk.
The final is the concluding fixture of the UFOA-B Women’s qualifying tournament, which determines the representative from the zone for the next CAF Women’s Champions League. Its outcome will also decide the regional champion.
At present, the only confirmed development is the temporary suspension. The authorities responsible for the match will assess the conditions before deciding how and when play can continue.
The weather remains the determining factor. Until an official communication is issued, both teams must wait for clarity over the remainder of a final that had barely begun before it was brought to a halt.
Edo Queens represent Nigeria, while Ampem Darkoa Ladies represent Ghana. Their meeting was scheduled to settle the title of the UFOA-B zone and secure the direct qualification place attached to the competition.
The stoppage means neither side has been able to complete the final, and the result remains undecided. Any further information will depend on the evolution of the climatic conditions in Ouagadougou and the subsequent decision of the match authorities.
For now, the contest remains suspended at Stade du 4-Aout, with the players’ safety the immediate priority and the regional title still to be determined.