Guinea qualify for U17 Africa Cup of Nations despite age-test allegations

Guinea have become the third team to qualify for next year’s U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after defeating Liberia 2-0 in the third-place play-off at the West African zonal qualifiers.

Boubacar Diallo scored both goals in a 13-minute spell, finding the net in the 63rd and 76th minutes to secure Guinea’s place at the tournament.

The result completes the list of qualifiers from the UFOA-A region. Senegal, who won the zonal competition, will defend their title as the reigning African champions at this level, while Gambia qualified as runners-up.

Guinea’s progress comes amid ongoing scrutiny over allegations of widespread age fraud involving players selected by the national team.

Last month, the Federation Guineenne de Football (FGF) was forced to respond after claims that only 12 of 38 players had passed bone tests. A further 22 players were reportedly unsuccessful, while four were said to be awaiting another opportunity to undergo the process.

The Guinean federation rejected the allegations, describing them as “totally unfounded”.

The FGF said the claims “are based on no official or verifiable evidence” and insisted that the relevant procedures had been conducted under the supervision of officials from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

It said the MRI scans had been carried out to “anticipate and secure the official checks planned in Dakar”.

CAF has not yet issued a response to the allegations.

If the suspicions are ultimately confirmed, Guinea could face another disqualification from the U17 Africa Cup of Nations. The country was excluded from the competition in 2019 and again in 2024.

Guinea’s qualification therefore remains subject to the wider questions surrounding the eligibility checks, although their place was secured on the pitch with victory over Liberia.