The Central African Republic has been confirmed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to replace the suspended Congo Brazzaville in the upcoming U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Junior Indomitable Lions of Cameroon had hoped to replace Congo, but the Central African Republic was the final team eliminated by the Red Devils after a 2-0 loss in the semi-finals.

Congo was disqualified from the tournament after FIFA and CAF suspended the nation due to political interference.

On Saturday, the Central African Football Federation (FCF) made the announcement on its official Facebook page: “The CAF Youth Competitions Committee has decided to reinstate the Central African Republic for the TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2025, following the suspension of Congo by FIFA.”

The Fauves du Bas-Oubangui will now play in Group A with Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Ghana, and Tanzania.