Gabon withdraw from Central African Soccer cup contest

by Afrique en ligne

Douala, Cameroon - After failing to travel to Limbe, in south-western Cam eroon, where the first edition of the Union of the Central African Football Asso c iations (UNIFAC) under-17 tournament is taking place, the organising committee of the event has declared that the DR Congo (DRC) and Gabon have withdrawn from the race, PANA reported here.

The chairman of the organising committee of the competition, who is also chairman of the Cameroon's Football Asssociation (FECAFOOT), Mohammed Iya, said that neither DRC nor Gabon officials had given reasons for their withdrawal.

All the eight Central African teams are yet to confirm their participation as at Monday.

Despite the withdrawals, Iya said, the competition would go on "smoothly".

DRC was to play its maiden match Wednesday against Chad in Group A also comprising Cameroon and Sao Tome and Principe.

Gabon's absence from Limbe is disrupting the Group B fixtures made up of Congo, Equatorial Guinea and the Central African Republic.

In the absence of Gabon and the DRC, the competition will turn into two triangular tournaments where the first two sides will qualify for the semi-finals.

In the opening match Tuesday in Limbe, Cameroon thrashed Sao Tome and Principe 5 -0. The tournament will end next Tuesday.