Guinea faces potential disqualification from the U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Tanzania 2019 amid allegations of age fraud. Despite reaching the final, the West African nation is under scrutiny following a complaint from Senegal regarding two players, Aboubacar Conte and Ahmed Tidiane Keita. The Senegalese federation claims that the two competed with inconsistent passports, listing their birth year as 2002 in the current tournament, while previously registered as 2001 during an U16 competition in Japan in 2017.
Initially, Senegal’s appeal was dismissed by the CAF Disciplinary Committee. However, recent developments suggest a shift in the situation. Reports indicate that Japanese authorities have provided CAF with additional documentation confirming the players’ participation in the 2017 tournament, potentially supporting the age discrepancy allegations. This new evidence could significantly impact CAF’s assessment of the matter.
Guinea, also known as the Syli National, secured their place in the final against Nigeria after a dramatic 0-0 draw that went to a 10-9 penalty shootout. While the team celebrated their achievement on the field, the cloud of controversy threatens to overshadow their success. CAF now faces a delicate decision regarding potential sanctions, which could include disqualification from the tournament.
Senegal, unsatisfied with CAF’s handling of the appeal, is reportedly preparing to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The outcome of this case could have broader implications for age verification processes in youth tournaments across Africa, highlighting ongoing concerns about documentation and eligibility.
As the situation develops, all eyes will remain on CAF’s next steps and whether Guinea will be allowed to compete in the final or face punitive measures for alleged infractions. The controversy underscores the importance of transparency and adherence to regulations in youth football competitions.
