The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has officially dismissed an appeal filed by the Guinean Football Federation (FEGUIFOOT) seeking to overturn Tanzania’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The case stemmed from the AFCON qualifier played on 19 November 2024, where Tanzania defeated Guinea 1–0. Guinea alleged that the Taifa Stars fielded a player wearing an incorrect shirt number, arguing that the mix-up created an unfair tactical advantage and should result in a 3–0 forfeiture victory for them.

However, CAS ruled that the irregularity was merely an administrative error with no effect on the outcome of the match. The decision aligns with CAF’s earlier ruling, which also dismissed Guinea’s protest and upheld Tanzania’s legitimate qualification.

With the verdict now settled, Tanzania remains in Group C alongside Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles, and Uganda’s Cranes. The Taifa Stars begin their AFCON 2025 campaign against Nigeria in Fez on Tuesday, 23 December.

OPINION: CAS Ruling Is a Loud Message to Africa—Football Should Be Won on the Pitch, Not in Court

The CAS verdict doesn’t just settle a dispute; it sends a powerful message that Africa desperately needs to hear.

For too long, African football has been weighed down by behind-the-scenes battles, administrative protests, and attempts to overturn results through boardroom manoeuvres rather than performance on the field. Guinea’s complaint—based on a shirt number error—felt like another unnecessary detour from the essence of the game.

Let’s be honest:
A wrong shirt number does not score goals, defend crosses, or change tactics.

Tanzania earned their victory. They earned their qualification. And they deserve their place at AFCON 2025.

CAS’ firm stance reinforces a principle that strengthens the credibility of African football: mistakes in documentation should be addressed, but they should not be used as backdoors for qualification.

For fans, this outcome restores trust. For teams, it is a reminder that preparation, hard work, and performance matter far more than legal chess games. And for AFCON 2025, it sets the tone for what we hope will be a tournament defined by skill, competition, and sportsmanship—not controversy.

As Tanzania prepares to face Nigeria in their opening game, the focus can now return to what truly excites the continent: football played fiercely, fairly, and on the pitch.