Ivory Coast has been removed from the upcoming U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after withdrawing as host nation just weeks before the tournament’s scheduled start, prompting a dramatic reshuffle by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Initially set to run from 26 April to 18 May in Ivory Coast, the tournament will now be held in Egypt following the Ivorian government’s unexpected decision to pull out.
The last-minute change not only shifted the tournament’s location but also impacted the team lineup. As hosts, Ivory Coast had secured automatic qualification, but their withdrawal now sees them excluded from the competition entirely.
To fill the vacant spot left by the Elephants, CAF has approved Tunisia’s inclusion in the final tournament.
The North African nation had missed out on qualification during the Union of North African Federations (UNAF) qualifiers, finishing behind Morocco and Egypt.
However, as the next best-placed team from the region, Tunisia has now been granted a lifeline.
CAF’s executive committee accepted a proposal from the Tunisian Football Federation, recognising their U20 side as the most suitable replacement based on sporting merit.
The unexpected decision marks a significant turnaround for Tunisia’s U20 team, who had believed their campaign ended months ago.
The newly rearranged tournament will now kick off in Egypt on 27 April, one day later than originally planned, with the final set for 18 May.
Defending champions Senegal will look to retain their title in what is already shaping up to be a highly unpredictable edition of the competition.
Tunisia has been placed in Group A, where they will face Ghana, Tanzania, Central African Republic and DR Congo.
Despite their initial elimination, the Aiglons de Carthage now have a second chance to make an impact on the continental stage and will be eager to prove they deserve their spot.
The change in venue and participant comes as a major upheaval, particularly for teams and organisers who had been preparing for conditions in West Africa.
Egypt, however, is no stranger to hosting continental tournaments and has previously demonstrated the capability to manage events of this scale on short notice.
CAF has yet to provide full details regarding the reasons behind Ivory Coast’s withdrawal, but preparations are already underway in Egypt to ensure a smooth transition.
The focus now shifts to logistical arrangements and team travel, with all participating nations expected to arrive in the country in the coming weeks.
As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on Egypt to deliver a tournament that lives up to expectations despite the late shake-up.
For Tunisia, this unexpected call-up represents an opportunity to rewrite their narrative — one that just days ago seemed destined to end in disappointment.
