The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially reinstated Congo-Brazzaville into the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) following a successful appeal against their earlier disqualification related to player eligibility.
In a statement released on Wednesday, CAF confirmed that the Central African nation’s appeal had been upheld, ending a period of uncertainty surrounding their participation in the biennial tournament scheduled for August 2–30, jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
“The CAF Appeals Board has thoroughly reviewed the documentation provided by the Congolese Football Federation and found no grounds to uphold the initial disqualification. Congo is therefore cleared to participate in the CHAN 2025 tournament,” the statement read.
Congo had previously faced disqualification after Equatorial Guinea lodged a protest claiming Congo had fielded an ineligible player, Japhet Mankou, and used invalid licenses during their qualifying tie. Although Congo had won 2-1 on aggregate, the CAF Disciplinary Board had temporarily overturned the result in favor of Equatorial Guinea.
However, the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) moved swiftly to challenge the decision, and the CAF Appeals Board ultimately ruled that Congo had met all eligibility requirements.
Their reinstatement comes just weeks after FIFA lifted a suspension on Congo that had barred them from international football due to government interference. The ban was rescinded after Congo implemented governance reforms required by FIFA statutes, allowing them not only to continue with their CHAN journey but also to pursue the appeal.
Congo is now confirmed for Group D, where they will face a stern test against defending champions Senegal, continental heavyweights Nigeria, and Sudan. Only the top two teams from the group will advance to the quarter-finals, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive battle.
Unlike the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), CHAN is restricted to players actively playing in their home national leagues, highlighting and promoting local football talent. Since its launch in 2009, the tournament has become a vital platform for emerging stars across the continent.
The 2025 CHAN edition is expected to be one of the most tightly contested in history, not only due to its expanded format but also because it marks the first time the event will be co-hosted by three East African nations.
Congo’s dramatic return to the tournament is likely to add even more intensity to an already stacked Group D.
