The Chadian national football team has been disqualified from the next Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in March after perceived interference by the country’s political government in sports.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) made the decision to ban Chad on Monday after Chadian Football Federation was suspended by the country’s Ministry of Youth and Sports.

The ban was revealed in a statement by CAF, who alongside FIFA frowns at any governmental and political interference in football.

“Following the suspension of the Chadian Football Federation by the Chadian Ministry of Youth and Sports, CAF has decided to disqualify the national team of Chad from the qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations 2021,” a CAF statement said.

Subsequently, their qualifying matches against Mali and Namibia with both teams awarded 3-0 wins each in the group.

While Mali has secured qualification into the Africa Cup of Nations next year, Guinea in second place is not guaranteed yet while Namibia still stands a chance to snatch the second ticket in the group.

Guinea and Mali will play on Wednesday and a win for Guinea will secure their AFCON slot while any other result apart from that will leave the final game between Namibia and Guinea as the decider.

Meanwhile, AFCON qualifiers continue on Wednesday when Uganda plays Burkina Faso, Rwanda hosts Mozambique in group B.

2013 Africa Cup of Nations finalist in South Africa, Burkina Faso goes into March day 5 on top of group B with 8 points while second-placed Cranes of Uganda has seven points.

Meanwhile, Malawi and South Sudan stand a slim chance of qualifying as well with four and three points respectively in a group that is still open.

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu