CAF Fumbles Again, Orders Edo Queens Final Replay After WAFU-B Victory

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has overturned Edo Queens’ victory over Ghanaian side Ampem Darkoa Ladies in the final of the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU-B qualifying tournament.

The latest decision comes after Ampem Darkoa protested the manner in which the final was concluded, raising fresh questions over CAF’s handling of knockout competitions after the controversy surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title saga.

The WAFU-B final, played in Ouagadougou on September 5, ended 2-2 after 90 minutes, with Edo Queens subsequently winning 4-1 on penalties to lift the title and secure the zone’s ticket to the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League.

However, Ampem Darkoa challenged the decision to proceed directly to a penalty shootout, arguing that the competition regulations required 30 minutes of extra time to be played before penalties could be used.

CAF has now upheld the protest, ruling that the final was not concluded in accordance with the competition regulations.

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, with penalties only determining the winner if the scores remain level after extra time.

Consequently, Edo Queens’ 4-1 penalty-shootout victory has been annulled, and the final will resume from the 2-2 scoreline.

The two teams are expected to play the mandatory 30 minutes of extra time, comprising two 15-minute periods.

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.

The decision represents another embarrassing administrative setback for CAF, following the prolonged controversy over the outcome and title status of the 2025 AFCON final.