DR. Congo have backed-out of the 2023 U17 UNIFFAC tournament after 25 of her 40 players got eliminated by the MRI.
The Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) thus decided to flag white given the short length of time for the call-ups and preparations of other players.
The UNIFFAC U17 tourney was postponed to Thursday January 12 from an initial date of January 7, so that participating federations could complete MRI tests.
Not just Congo have faced duress caused by MRI in the build of the tourney. 21 Cadet Lions failed MIR tests conducted on Thursday, Dec. 29. Three days later, another 11 youngsters called up to make up the figures were declared ineligible by the scan.
Cameroon and its Football Federation, FECAFOOT, however dealt with the issue wittingly, as tests were conducted well ahead of time, with different players called up in place of others who failed.
The UNIFFAC competition will now be played between four countries; Congo Brazzaville, CAR, Cameroon and Cameroon.
For a first game on the cards, hosts Cameroon were to face DR. Congo, but that is now cancelled out.
Chad will hence play the opener of the competition against Congo Brazzaville at the Limbe Omnisport stadium on Thursday, Jan. 12.
By Brian Mboh