The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has disqualified Congo from the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), citing multiple regulatory breaches during their qualification matches against Equatorial Guinea.
The decision follows a formal complaint lodged by the Equatorial Guinea Football Federation and a subsequent investigation by CAF’s disciplinary jury.
Congo, also known as Congo Brazzaville, had initially secured qualification for CHAN after a two-legged tie with Equatorial Guinea.
The first leg, played on December 21, 2024, ended in a goalless draw, while Congo claimed a 2-1 victory in the return leg on December 29.
However, both results have been nullified due to violations of key tournament regulations.
CAF’s investigation revealed that the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) failed to present valid national licenses for their players, a mandatory requirement for participation.
Additionally, Congo fielded an ineligible player, Mankou Nguembete Japhet Eloi, in both matches.
These infractions violated Article 39, paragraph 1, and Articles 2, 12, and 38 of the CHAN regulations, as well as Article 150 of the CAF Disciplinary Code, according to the statement issued by CAF on Monday, January 20.
As a result, CAF has awarded Equatorial Guinea 3-0 forfeit victories in both legs, overturning Congo’s qualification.
This ruling grants Equatorial Guinea a place in Group D of the tournament, which also features defending champions Senegal, Sudan, and Nigeria.
The reshuffled Group D is expected to bring a new competitive dynamic to the CHAN tournament, which is scheduled for August 2025 and will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
In addition to losing their CHAN spot, FECOFOOT has been fined USD 10,000, with the amount required to be paid within 60 days.
