The Guinean Football Federation has filed a complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), accusing Tanzania of fielding an ineligible player during their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match.
The appeal was submitted on Thursday after Guinea’s 1-0 defeat to Tanzania in a decisive final Group H clash on Tuesday, which meant Guinea did not qualify for the tournament.
With nine points, Guinea finished third in the group, just behind Tanzania, who claimed second place with 10 points, two points shy of group leaders DR Congo.
Guinea’s complaint focuses on a player wearing jersey number 26, who came on as a substitute in the 73rd minute.
The Guinean federation asserts that this player was not included in Tanzania’s official squad list submitted to CAF, in violation of the regulations.
Additionally, the player’s jersey reportedly lacked a name, further complicating identification.
In their appeal, Guinea pointed to Article 50 of CAF’s regulations, which require strict adherence to player registration, including matching squad numbers and clear identification.
Guinea argues that such violations could compromise the fairness of the competition by allowing unqualified or suspended players to participate.
Guinea is requesting that CAF annul the result of the match and award them a 3-0 victory, thus granting them a place in the 2025 AFCON at Tanzania’s expense.
