The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has made a shocking decision to overturn Edo Queens' victory over Ampem Darkoa Ladies in the final of the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League WAFU-B qualifying tournament. The match, played in Ouagadougou on September 5, ended 2-2 after 90 minutes, with Edo Queens winning 4-1 on penalties. However, Ampem Darkoa Ladies protested the decision to proceed directly to a penalty shootout, citing competition regulations that require 30 minutes of extra time to be played before penalties.
According to Article 72.4 of the CAF WAFU-B Regulations, two 15-minute periods of extra time must be played when the score is level after 90 minutes in the final. The regulations state that penalties can only determine the winner if the scores remain level after extra time. CAF has now upheld Ampem Darkoa's protest, ruling that the final was not concluded in accordance with the competition regulations. This decision has annulled Edo Queens' 4-1 penalty-shootout victory.
The final will now resume from the 2-2 scoreline, with the two teams expected to play the mandatory 30 minutes of extra time. If the scores remain level after extra time, the winner will then be determined by a penalty shootout. The eventual winner will represent the WAFU-B zone at the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League. This development has raised questions about CAF's handling of knockout competitions.
This is not the first time CAF has faced controversy over its handling of a major tournament. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title saga was marred by controversy, and this latest decision has added to the embarrassment. CAF's administrative setbacks have raised concerns about the organization's ability to manage high-profile competitions.
Edo Queens had initially secured the zone's ticket to the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League with their penalty-shootout victory. However, with the final set to be replayed, the Nigerian team's participation in the Champions League is now uncertain. The team will need to regroup and prepare for the replay, which is expected to be a highly competitive match.
The replay of the WAFU-B final is set to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to emerge victorious. Ampem Darkoa Ladies will look to capitalize on their protest being upheld, while Edo Queens will aim to prove their initial victory was deserved. The match will be closely watched by fans and officials alike.
The decision to replay the final has significant implications for the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League. The winner of the WAFU-B zone will play a crucial role in determining the teams that qualify for the Champions League. CAF's decision has added an extra layer of excitement to the competition, with the replay expected to be a closely contested match.
Key points
- CAF has overturned Edo Queens' victory over Ampem Darkoa Ladies due to a protest over the match's conclusion.
- The final will resume from the 2-2 scoreline, with the two teams expected to play 30 minutes of extra time.
- The replay has significant implications for the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League, with the winner set to represent the WAFU-B zone.
