The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reinstated Congo-Brazzaville into the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) following a successful appeal that overturned their earlier disqualification due to player eligibility and licensing issues.
The dramatic turnaround came after Congo challenged a decision by the CAF Disciplinary Board, which had found them guilty of fielding an ineligible player, Japhet Mankou, and using invalid player licenses in their qualifier against Equatorial Guinea. Initially, Congo had secured a 2-1 aggregate victory, only to be disqualified and replaced by Equatorial Guinea based on their protest.
However, the CAF Appeals Board reversed the ruling, concluding that Congo had complied with the eligibility requirements and should not have been disqualified. The decision brought an end to weeks of uncertainty surrounding their participation and restored their rightful place in the tournament.
This reinstatement comes at a critical time for Congo, whose path back into international football was only recently reopened following the lifting of a FIFA-imposed ban. The suspension had been enforced due to government interference in the operations of the national football federation. After implementing reforms, FIFA lifted the ban last month, allowing Congo to resume full participation in international competitions and lodge an appeal to CAF.
With their place in CHAN now secured, Congo will be looking ahead to a tough test in Group D. They have been drawn alongside defending champions Senegal, African powerhouses Nigeria, and a competitive Sudan side. Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, promising a fierce battle for progression.
CHAN is a unique tournament on the African football calendar, restricted to players who ply their trade in their country of birth. This makes it an important showcase for local talent and a proving ground for players looking to make a name for themselves on the continental stage.
Since its launch in 2009, CHAN has steadily grown in reputation and competitiveness. The 2025 edition, scheduled to take place from August 2 to 30 and co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, is set to be one of the most hotly contested yet. The inclusion of Congo only adds to the excitement, especially considering the circumstances surrounding their dramatic return.
For Congo, the focus now shifts to preparation and performance. Despite the controversy and delay, the team has a second chance to compete on Africa’s big stage and will be eager to prove that they belong among the continent’s elite.
