The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended Edo Queens' penalty-shootout victory over Ampem Darkoa Ladies in the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League WAFU-B qualifying final. The decision was made after Ampem Darkoa officials complained that the match was not completed in accordance with competition regulations. The final had ended 2-2 after 90 minutes, with Edo Queens winning 4-1 on penalties. CAF has now ordered the continuation of the match.
The controversy arose from the match officials' decision to proceed directly to penalties after the 2-2 scoreline. Ampem Darkoa argued that the regulations required extra time to be played before a shootout could determine the winner. CAF has upheld the protest, ruling that the referees did not comply with Article 72.4 of the WAFU-B regulations. The provision requires two 15-minute periods of extra time to be played when the result remains tied after 90 minutes.
As a result, Edo Queens' 4-1 penalty-shootout victory has been annulled. The final will resume from the 2-2 scoreline with 30 minutes of extra time remaining. If the result remains the same after extra time, the winner will be determined by a penalty shootout. Both teams are required to play the outstanding 30 minutes of extra time.
The CAF ruling has significant implications for both teams. For Edo Queens, their regional title and Champions League qualification are no longer secured. Despite their earlier success from the penalty spot, they must now face the possibility of losing the final. Ampem Darkoa, on the other hand, have been handed another opportunity to challenge for the title.
The WAFU-B qualifying final is crucial as the winner will claim the zone's qualification ticket for the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League. The tournament is a premier continental competition for women's club football. The CAF ruling has turned what had appeared to be a completed final into a second decisive contest for continental qualification.
The match will resume with 30 minutes of extra time, followed by a penalty shootout if necessary. The eventual winner will represent the WAFU-B zone at the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League. The CAF decision has ensured that the final is decided in accordance with the competition's regulations.
The CAF ruling has also highlighted the importance of adhering to competition regulations. The governing body has demonstrated its commitment to upholding the rules and ensuring that matches are decided fairly. The resumption of the final will provide a conclusive end to the WAFU-B qualifying tournament.
Key points
- CAF suspends Edo Queens' penalty-shootout win over Ampem Darkoa due to regulatory non-compliance.
- The final will resume with 30 minutes of extra time, followed by a penalty shootout if necessary.
- The winner will claim the WAFU-B qualification place at the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League.
