Edo Queens launch fresh protest against Ampem Darkoa’s CAF Women’s Champions League qualification

Edo Queens have launched a fresh protest with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), seeking to overturn Ampem Darkoa Ladies qualification for the 2026 CAF Womens Champions League following their controversial WAFU Zone B qualifying final.The Nigerian club has petitioned CAF to declare the continuation of the final on October 29 in Cairo, Egypt, null and void, citing concerns over the venue, match arrangements and player eligibility.Ampem Darkoa secured qualification with a 3-2 aggregate victory after Afishata Mohammed scored the decisive goal in the 92nd minute of extra time.The latest complaint prolongs a dispute that began after the teams original meeting in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on September 5. Edo Queens initially won the regional title following a 4-1 penalty shoot-out victory after the match ended 2-2.However, CAFs Organising Committee subsequently ruled that the shoot-out had no sporting effect and ordered the match to resume from the start of extra time. The CAF Appeal Board upheld that decision on October 16.Edo Queens now argue that the continuation in Cairo did not meet the required conditions, alleging that the venue change lacked the necessary confirmation from WAFU Zone B. They have also raised concerns about player eligibility, accommodation and communication regarding match arrangements.The Nigerian side wants CAF to suspend confirmation of the qualification place, declare the continuation null and void, and order a replay at the original venue. Alternatively, they want to be declared winners if a replay cannot take place before the tournament begins.Ampem Darkoa are scheduled to compete in Group B alongside AS FAR of Morocco, Kawempe Muslim Ladies of Uganda and USFAS Bamako of Mali.The 2026 CAF Womens Champions League is scheduled to run in Egypt from November 1 to 15, leaving little time for CAF to resolve the latest petition.