…orders continuation of match
CAF has cancelled Edo Queens’ penalty-shootout victory over Ampem Darkoa Ladies in the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU-B qualifying final after ruling that the match was not completed in accordance with the competition’s regulations.
The Nigerian champions defeated their Ghanaian counterparts 4-1 on penalties after the final ended 2-2 in Ouagadougou on September 5, a result that appeared to have secured Edo Queens the WAFU-B title and the zone’s qualification ticket for the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League proper.
The ruling was sequel to Ampem Darkoa official complaint to CAF, challenging the decision to proceed directly to penalties, arguing that the regulations required extra time to be played before a shootout could determine the winner.
CAF has now upheld the protest, with the governing body determining that the referees did not comply with Article 72.4 of the WAFU-B regulations in the final game between the west Neighbours.
The provision requires two 15-minute periods of extra time to be played when the results in a final game remains tied after 90 minutes. Penalties are only to be used if the scoreline remains level after the additional 30 minutes.
Consequently, Edo Queens’ 4-1 shootouts victory has been annulled, and the final will resume from the 2-2 scoreline with 30 minutes remaining for the winner to be determined.
Both teams are now required to play the outstanding 30 minutes of extra time, with penalties to follow if the result remains the same .
The eventual winner will claim the WAFU-B qualification place at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League, turning what had appeared to be a completed final into a second decisive contest for continental qualification.
For Edo Queens, the ruling means their regional title and Champions League qualification are no longer secured, despite their earlier success from the penalty spot.
Ampem Darkoa, meanwhile, have been handed another opportunity to challenge for the title after their protest successfully sailed through and upheld by the continent football governing body.