A high-stakes African women’s football saga reaches its climax in Cairo today as Nigeria’s Edo Queens FC and Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies take to the pitch for a dramatic 30-minute extra-time decider. The winner will claim the final WAFU-B zone ticket to represent the region at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League, taking place in Cairo from November 1 to 15.

This rare fixture comes after a heated dispute surrounding the original WAFU-B qualifiers held in Burkina Faso two months ago. Edo Queens initially claimed victory by defeating Ampem Darkoa 4-1 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in regulation time. However, Ampem Darkoa petitioned CAF regarding the officiating, leading the continental body to order this 30-minute extra-time session to settle the matter once and for all.

The stakes could not be higher for both sides. The victor will immediately join Group B of the continental showpiece alongside Morocco’s AS FAR, Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim Ladies, and Mali’s US FAS Bamako. Looking further ahead, the ultimate winner of the Champions League will also secure a coveted spot in the qualifying round for the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup in the United States.

Confidence remains high in the Edo Queens camp as they prepare in Cairo, with head coach Moses Aduku reassuring fans that his players are in the right frame of mind despite the unusual setup. With Nigerian football pundits tipping Edo Queens to prevail once again, Ampem Darkoa will need a fierce start if they hope to turn their second chance into a historic qualification. (The Nation)