Edo Queens: CAF orders 30 more minutes, so what is on the line?

Nigeria's Edo Queens will play 30 more minutes of the WAFU B Champions League final against Ghana's Ampem Darkoa in Cairo on 29 October, after CAF upheld a petition over how the 2-2 final was decided, Complete Sports reported on 22 October.

The final ended 2-2 after regulation time, and Edo Queens were first named champions after winning the penalty shootout 4-1. Ampem Darkoa petitioned CAF, arguing that officials went straight to penalties without the 30 minutes of extra time the rules require after a draw.

CAF upheld the petition and ordered the outstanding 30 minutes to be played at a neutral venue in Cairo. Edo Queens accepted the ruling after consulting their board, the Edo State Government and the Nigeria Football Federation, and the team leaves for Cairo on Monday, 26 October.

What Edo Queens said

In a statement quoted by Complete Sports, the club said its mission is “to fight, to win and to secure our place in the CAF Women's Champions League.” It added: “We have chosen to move forward with courage, discipline and resilience.”

Analysis: a settled result is open again

A tie that looked decided is live again, and the reason is procedural: Ampem Darkoa argued that extra time was skipped, and CAF agreed. For Edo Queens, the task on 29 October is the same as it was on the night, 30 minutes against a side that has just won an appeal.

The reward is clear. A win secures a place in the CAF Women's Champions League, Complete Sports reports, so the extra period carries the same weight as the original final.

For more on Nigerian women's football, see Soccernet's look at the Super Falcons' Olympic qualifying path and why their World Cup place is in doubt.

The next date to watch is 29 October in Cairo.