The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has made a significant boardroom decision, annulling Edo Queens' victory over Ampem Darkoa Ladies in the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League WAFU-B qualifying final. This decision comes after Ampem Darkoa Ladies protested the match's conclusion. The final had ended 2-2 in Ouagadougou on September 5, with Edo Queens winning 4-1 in a penalty shootout to claim the title and qualification for the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League.
Ampem Darkoa Ladies had argued that the match should have proceeded to 30 minutes of extra time before penalties, in accordance with CAF WAFU-B Regulations. CAF has now determined that the final did not comply with competition regulations because extra time was not played. According to Article 72.4 of the regulations, two 15-minute periods of extra time should have been played when the final was level after 90 minutes, with penalties only used if the scores remained level.
As a result of CAF's ruling, Edo Queens' shootout victory no longer stands. The final will resume from the 2-2 scoreline, with both teams set to play two 15-minute periods of extra time. If the scores remain level after the additional 30 minutes, the winner will be decided by a penalty shootout. The eventual winner will take the zone's qualification place at the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League.
The decision was made following a protest by Ampem Darkoa Ladies, who felt that the initial conclusion of the match was unfair. CAF's ruling has ensured that the match will be completed in accordance with the regulations. This development has significant implications for the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League, with the winner of the WAFU-B qualifying final set to represent the zone in the tournament.
The 2026 CAF Women's Champions League is a highly anticipated event, with top teams from across Africa competing for the title. The tournament will feature a number of high-profile teams, including those from Nigeria, Ghana, and other African countries. The competition is expected to be fierce, with teams vying for the top prize.
Edo Queens and Ampem Darkoa Ladies are both well-established teams in African women's football. Edo Queens had initially claimed the title and qualification for the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League, but CAF's ruling has thrown the outcome into doubt. The two teams will now face off in the resumed final, with the winner set to be determined in accordance with the regulations.
The resumption of the final will take place in the coming days, with the exact date and venue yet to be announced. Football fans in Nigeria and across Africa will be eagerly anticipating the outcome, as the winner of the WAFU-B qualifying final prepares to represent the zone in the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League.
Key points
- CAF has annulled Edo Queens' victory over Ampem Darkoa Ladies in the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League WAFU-B qualifying final.
