The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has disqualified Congo from participating in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The African football governing body made the decision after confirm that Congo fielded an ineligible player in the qualifiers.
CAF disciplinary board acted on a complaint filed by the Equatorial Guinea Football Federation (FEGUIFUT) and found that Congo had paraded Mankou Nguembete Japhet Elo in both legs of the qualifiers.
As a result, Congo has been fined $10,000 and Equatorial Guinea will take their place in Group D at CHAN 2024, alongside defending champions Senegal, Sudan, and Home Eagles.
The CHAN tournament, which features players from domestic leagues, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in August.
By Olujimi Dare Ogun