The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has made a stunning decision to overturn the WAFU Zone B final, which was thought to be completed. CAF has ordered Nigeria's Edo Queens and Ghana's Ampem Darkoa Ladies to resume the match from 2-2 extra time. This decision comes after the Ghana Football Association protested on behalf of Ampem Darkoa, citing that the mandatory extra-time stage was wrongly skipped after a 2-2 draw on September 5 at Stade du 4 Août in Ouagadougou.
The final had a dramatic unfolding, with kick-off delayed by about 90 minutes due to weather. Ampem Darkoa's Beline Nyarko scored almost immediately, but Edo Queens' Doosuur Anastasia Atume levelled soon after. Nyarko restored Ghana's lead from a penalty spot in the 73rd minute, only for Oluebube Umejiaku to equalize for Edo Queens in stoppage time, making it 2-2. The match then proceeded straight to penalties, which Edo Queens won 4-1. However, CAF found that this process breached the regulations.
According to Article 72.4 of the CAF Women's Champions League regulations, a drawn final must go to two 15-minute periods of extra time before penalties. Article 13.1 extends these technical rules to zonal qualifying tournaments. Ampem Darkoa and the Ghana Football Association argued that skipping extra time breached these articles and that their substitution and tactical choices were made with the assumption that extra time would follow a draw. CAF accepted this argument, citing referee and assessor reports that showed officials had been told before the match that extra time was required.
CAF considered three options: confirming the 4-1 shootout, replaying the entire match, or resuming from extra time. They rejected confirming the shootout, as it would leave a mandatory stage unplayed. A full replay was also rejected, as the 90 minutes had been validly completed and no irregularity had tainted regulation time. CAF chose to resume the match from 2-2 extra time, deeming it the most proportionate, equitable, and sporting solution.
The original 4-1 penalty result has been annulled and shall have no sporting effect. The resumption must start under the same sporting conditions that existed at the end of the 90 minutes, including the same players on the field, remaining substitutes, substitutions already used, and disciplinary records. WAFU B must supply both clubs with the original match sheet, substitution record, eligibility list, and disciplinary status before kick-off.
The winner of the resumed final will take WAFU Zone B's single ticket to the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League. Until extra time and a possible new shootout are completed, the zonal title remains vacant. Neither club can claim the trophy or the continental place yet. The ruling leaves both clubs in an unusual position, with Edo Queens having already celebrated qualification and Ampem Darkoa getting the extra-time period they claimed they planned for.
The resumption date, time, and venue will be set in consultation with CAF, the Ghana Football Association, and the Nigeria Football Federation. WAFU B will bear the organisational and financial costs. Neither club was sanctioned, as CAF concluded that the problem lay with the instructions given to the officials, not with the players or coaches.
Key points
- CAF overturns WAFU Zone B final due to skipped extra-time stage.
- Match to resume from 2-2 extra time.
- Winner takes WAFU Zone B's single ticket to the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League.
