The Confederation of African Football (CAF) have thrown out the Democratic Republic of Congo and reinstated Morocco to the CAF Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The North Africans won their appeal over the eligibility of DR Congo defender Arsene Zola.
Morocco had been eliminated 2-1 on aggregate by the DR Congo last month, but have been reinstated after the Confederation of African Football ruled that TP Mazembe’s Zola was above the age limit. Responding on Twitter after the ruling, DR Congo FA president Constant Omari said, ” Our U23s are disqualified for U23 CAN. Tribute to these valiant young people. What does not kill us strengthens us. This is also the commando spirit. We are waiting for CHAN and see you soon.”
Morocco will now face Mali in June for the final round of qualifiers for this year’s Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt.
The shock exit cost Dutchman Mark Wotte his job as coach of Morocco’s under-23 side.
The top three from November’s finals will qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
