Uganda Under-20 team that recently overcame Rwanda Junior wasps from the Afcon U20 qualifier’s risks expulsion for using an ineligible player.
The Rwanda FA (FERWAFA) wrote to the Africa football governing body, CAF questioning the true age of Uganda U-20 and Vipers goalie, James Ahebwa.
According to Ferwafa’s lodged application, Ahebwa had two different identities on his club license and national passport, which don’t conform to the standards of qualification of the U20 competition.
“On his CAF Champions License with Vipers Sports Club, Aheebwa was born on March 27, 1997 while his passport used in the U20 qualifier against Rwanda, indicated that he was born on May 19, 1998, different to what the CAF Under-20 Regulations stipulate,” Ferwafa states.
The regulations for the CAF under-20 tournament chapter 20 titled ‘Fraud- Forgery- Administrative error’ article 46 states that, “Each player must possess a passport containing his photo and giving the full particulars on the player’s age (day, month and year birth) a player who does not have a passport issued by the competent authorities, shall not be authorised to participate in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.”
The article further adds;
“In the case of junior player participating in CAF Inter- Clubs competitions:
a- He will not be qualified to participate in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations if the date of birth indicated in his license is different from the one indicated on his passport.
b- He will not be qualified to participate in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations if the full date of birth (Day, month, and year) is not indicated on his license.”
Verdict.
Article 43 states that, if CAF is informed, no matter the source, that a fraud or forgery was committed by any means and/or more national team(s), an investigation will be launched.
44 says that “In case the alleged facts are true, the convicted national association will be suspended from participating in the following 2 editions of the U-20 Afcon and its team eliminated from the competition if its still on going.”
Therefore, if Uganda is found guilty, Rwanda will go ahead and face Egypt in the second round and Uganda banned for two consecutive editions.
Uganda eliminated The Junior Wasps 3-2 on aggregate after a one all draw away and 2-1 win at Namboole with goals from Zake Luboyera.