The CAF Appeal Board has upheld the decision to annul the penalty shootout victory of Nigeria’s Edo Queens FC over Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies FC in the WAFU Zone B qualifying final.
In its decision rendered in Cairo on 16 October 2026, the Appeal Board, chaired by Vice-Chairperson Faustino Varela Monteiro of Cape Verde, confirmed the decision of the CAF Organising Committee for Women’s Football dated 26 September 2026.
Key rulings:
- The Appeal Board declared itself competent to hear the appeal lodged by Edo Queens FC, and confirmed that the Organising Committee was competent to determine the initial protest concerning the WAFU Zone B qualifying final played on 5 September 2026.
- The Board ruled that any procedural irregularity at first instance was cured by affording both clubs the opportunity to present their cases under Article 59(1) of the Disciplinary Code.
- Annulment confirmed: The annulment of the penalty shoot-out and the resulting 4-1 score in favour of Edo Queens FC is confirmed.
- Match to resume from extra time: The match shall resume from the start of extra time, with the score at 2-2. The teams shall play two periods of fifteen (15) minutes and, if the score remains level thereafter, the winner shall be determined by a new penalty shoot-out.
- The Board amended paragraph (g) of the challenged decision to require the appointment of different match officials for the continuation of the match.
- All other terms of the challenged decision, including the sporting conditions applicable to the continuation of the match, were confirmed, with all remaining claims dismissed.
The decision means Ampem Darkoa Ladies FC remain in contention for the WAFU B slot at the CAF Women’s Champions League Egypt 2026, which has been listed as “AMPEM Darkoa (GHA) or Edo Queens (NGA)” pending the final outcome.