Tanzania’s U-20 head coach, Boniface Mkwasa, has raised serious concerns over alleged age cheating by Sierra Leone during the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
The accusation came after Tanzania narrowly lost 1-0 to Sierra Leone in their second group match at the Suez Canal Stadium.
Mkwasa expressed doubts about the age eligibility of some Sierra Leone players, suggesting they may be older than the tournament permits.
“Even this team, Sierra Leone, if you see them, they are a bit bigger and age-wise, it’s not under 20 if you see,” Mkwasa said.
His concerns were echoed by Zambia’s U-20 head coach, Boyd Mulandwa, who also voiced frustration about his team facing opponents he believes are outside the youth category.
“This is a youth tournament and we expect youths to play against youths, but if you bring people who are not in that category, it becomes difficult for others.”
Tanzania, currently winless after two matches, sit at the bottom of Group A and are set to face Zambia in a crucial fixture later today.