The Women’s Premier League match between Ampem Darkoa Ladies FC and FC Savannah Ladies on Sunday, January 18, 2026, descended into violence when referee Lovia Boadiwaa Duodo was brutally assaulted by angry supporters.
The incident occurred at Techiman Urban Park immediately after the final whistle, leaving Duodo injured as she was escorted from the pitch.
Video footage and eyewitness accounts showed fans storming the field, targeting officials in a chaotic scene that also left one FC Savannah Ladies player hurt.
The attack on Duodo, who was singled out during the melee, shocked the football community and sparked widespread condemnation.
The assault underscores the alarming security risks female referees face in domestic football, particularly in high-stakes matches.
Despite the growth of women’s football in the country, inadequate crowd control and insufficient protection for officials continue to put participants at serious risk.
FC Savannah Ladies had been leading 2-1 in stoppage time, but Ampem Darkoa Ladies equalised in the 92nd minute and scored the winner in the fifth minute of added time, according to the Ghana Football Association.
The association has yet to comment on the incident.
