Kenya will now take part in the 2019 African Women Cup of Nations following Equatorial Guinea’s disqualification from the competition.
Starlets lost 3-2 on aggregate to Equatorial Guinea in the final qualifying round, but Caf upheld Kenya’s appeal on players’ eligibility. Guinea were found to have fielded ineligible players in the qualifier.
“On the June 9, 2018, Kenya submitted an official protest before Match no. 30, Equatorial Guinea vs. Kenya which was played in the frame of Women’s Africa Cup of Nations-Ghana 2018.
“In their initial letter, Kenya was protesting the eligibility of six 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.
“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," read part of the Caf's Disciplinary Board hearing.
Besides being disqualified from the tournament, Equatorial Guinea were also slapped with a further fine of 10, 0000 US dollars. This means that Starlets will be returning to the continental stage for the second time following their maiden bow in 2016.
