CAF Appeal Board upholds nullification of Edo Queens win over Ampem Darkoa

The CAF Appeal Board has officially upheld the decision to nullify Edo Queens FC's penalty shootout victory against Ghana's Ampem Darkoa Ladies. This significant ruling, confirmed on 16 October 2026, revives the Ghanaian club's hopes of qualifying for the CAF Women’s Champions League in Egypt. The decision follows a dispute regarding the conclusion of the WAFU Zone B qualifying final, which had initially appeared to end in favor of the Nigerian side.

The controversy stems from the original fixture between the two West African clubs, where Edo Queens were declared winners following a penalty shootout. However, following a protest and subsequent review, the board found grounds to set aside the result. The ruling specifies that the match was not concluded in accordance with the competition's regulations, leading to the dismissal of the shootout outcome and the ordering of an extra time replay to determine the rightful winner.

As a result of this appeal outcome, the slot for the WAFU B representative at the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League Egypt 2026 remains undecided. Official documentation for the tournament currently lists the participant as "AMPEM Darkoa (GHA) or Edo Queens (NGA)," pending the final resolution of the match. The decision ensures that the qualification process is completed on the pitch rather than through a disputed administrative conclusion.

For Ampem Darkoa Ladies, this decision provides a vital lifeline in their quest to return to the continental stage. The Ghanaian champions will now prepare for the rescheduled conclusion of the final, knowing that a victory will secure their place among Africa's elite women's clubs in Egypt. This ruling underscores the commitment of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to ensuring technical compliance and fairness within its regional qualifying tournaments.