Equatorial Guinea have been banned from participating in the upcoming 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) set for November 17 and December 1 in Ghana.
The two-time continental champions fielded Cameroonian-born midfielder Jacky Messomo in the two legs against Kenya in their last round of qualification with Equatorial Guinea securing qualification to Ghana following a 3-2 aggregate win.
The decision was communicated by CAF in a letter addressed to Football Kenya Federation (FKF), a month after the continental football governing body heard the East African women football powerhouse’s appeal against several ineligible players that were fielded in both legs of the qualifier.
“On the 9th of June 2018, Kenya submitted an official protest before Match no. 30, Equatorial Guinea vs. Kenya which was played in the frame of Total Women’s Africa Cup of Nations – Ghana 2018,”
“In their initial letter, Kenya was protesting the eligibility of 6 players, however, they only maintained their protest regarding one player: Anette Jacky Messomo. The player in question was allegedly of Cameroonian nationality and had played for several European based clubs,” read part of the letter sent to FKF General Secretary/CEO Robert Muthomi following a CAF Disciplinary Board hearing at the CAF Headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.
Consequently, Kenya will replace Equatorial Guinea at AWCON 2018 that has attracted seven other countries including the hosts Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Zambia, Mali, South Africa, and Algeria.
“Considering CAF Statutes; CAF Regulations, in particular the Regulations of the Women AFCON 2018; and the CAF Disciplinary Code, the Disciplinary Board decides that Kenya’s protest is upheld. A sanction of 10,0000 USD (Ten Thousand US Dollars) is imposed on the Equatorial Guinea FA; and Equatorial Guinea’s Team is disqualified from the TOTAL African Women’s Cup of Nations 2018,” continued the letter.
The story about Equatorial Guinea fielding ineligible players during the qualifiers was first exposed by Ducor Sports, whereby four players were named in the investigative article that was carried on 8th June 2018.
Evidence obtained by our sources indicated non-Equatorial Guinean players’ namely, Celestina Manga Besecu, Laetitia Chapeh, Jacky Messomo and Chisana Okoro were fielded in the first leg of the qualifiers.
Kenya will be making a second appearance at the competition following their maiden bow in 2016.
