DRC vs Mauritania: Turnaround in the CAN 2023 qualifiers
In a brief update on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) emerged victorious from a dispute which pitted them against Mauritania. The disciplinary jury of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) agreed with the DRC concerning the alignment of a player not qualified by the Mourabitounes.
Following this decision, Mauritania lost the matches of the 3rd and 4th days of the qualifiers, thus jeopardizing its chances of qualifying for CAN 2023 in Côte d’Ivoire. The DRC recovered two points from the draw against Mauritania, but will have to wait until the last day to validate their qualification.
With seven points on the clock before the final day, the DRC were in second place in the group, eagerly awaiting the last match against Sudan, third with 6 points, to ensure their qualification. However, despite Mauritania forfeiting their two games (Congolese victory and draw), the Leopards will have to obtain at least one draw against Sudan in September to qualify.
In the worst-case scenario, a loss to Sudan, combined with a landslide victory for Gabon against Mauritania, could to some extent jeopardize the DRC’s chances of qualification.
This dispute between the DRC and Mauritania concerned the alignment of several players, in particular Niasse Babacar, Al Hadji Ba and Kadim Diaw, who, according to the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA), played matches for other national teams. CAF ruled that Niasse Babacar and Al Hadji Ba were eligible to represent Mauritania, having legally changed their sporting nationality. However, Kadim Diaw having failed to take steps to change his nationality and having played three games for the Teranga Lions, he was considered an unqualified player.
This administrative victory of the DRC is a relief for the team which sees its chances of qualification being strengthened. However, the final battle to qualify for CAN 2023 remains to be fought, with a decisive match against Sudan. Congolese fans are eagerly awaiting this match which will determine the fate of their national team in this major African football competition.
In conclusion, the DRC obtained an important administrative victory in the dispute which opposed it to Mauritania, concerning the alignment of an unqualified player. However, the final qualification for CAN 2023 remains suspended on the performance of the DRC in their last match against Sudan. Congolese fans hope their national team can rise to the challenge and secure their place among the best on the continent