Ampem Darkoa protest WAFU Zone B final after extra time is not played

Ghanaian women's club Ampem Darkoa Ladies have lodged a formal protest with WAFU Zone B and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after their Women's Champions League qualifying final against Edo Queens went straight to penalties following a 2-2 draw.

Ampem Darkoa say they were expecting the match to go into extra time, in line with regulations explained to participating teams before the tournament.

According to a statement issued by the club on Friday, the tournament regulations stated that two 15-minute periods of extra time would be played if a match ended level after 90 minutes.

However, the Ghanaian side say the general coordinator for their final against Nigeria's Edo Queens ordered a penalty shootout immediately after the 2-2 draw, without extra time being played.

Ampem Darkoa claim they had four substitutes ready to enter the game for extra time but were instead informed that the match would proceed directly to penalties.

The club argues that the decision was contrary to the written provisions of the CAF Women's Champions League regulations.

"At the Management Committee Meeting, the regulations of the WAFU Zone B tournament were explained to all participating teams," Ampem Darkoa said in their protest.

The Ghanaian champions are therefore asking WAFU Zone B and CAF to review the circumstances surrounding the match and order either the playing of the extra time or the continuation of the game.

Ampem Darkoa also thanked the Ghana Football Association for its support while they await a decision from CAF and the WAFU Zone B secretariat.

The outcome of the protest could have implications for the qualification process, with Ampem Darkoa seeking a ruling on whether the penalty shootout should stand.