Exclusive: Sao Tome backs out of UNIFFAC zonal tourney

The Sao Tome and Principe Football Federation have written to the Central African Regional football body, UNIFFAC to inform them of their decision to pull out of the Under-20 zonal football competition scheduled next Month in Congo Republic.

kick442.com sources understand the decision was made last week and communicated to the right authorities to avoid any inconveniences and ensure UNIFFAC makes any needed adjustment.

“Logistic, financial and sporting challenges at a time a new state government has just taken over power explains the country’s position,” a source whose name we withheld told this Pan African Sports News Agency.

Sao Tome and Principe have had difficulties participating in competitions over the years thus hampering the development of football in one of CAF’s smallest Member Association.

In March 2020, the country’s Under-17 girls team spent a month in Cameroon due to logistics difficulties faced after a World Cup qualifier game against their Cameroon counterpart.

This latest twist leaves Pool A of the zonal playoffs with just DR Congo, Congo Republic and Central Africa Republic. Cameroon, Chad and Equatorial Guinea will compete in the other group.

The competition to run from December 7_18 and is expected to produce two nations (Group winners) to complete the qualified teams for the 2023 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Egypt.

Sao Tome and Principe have also backed out from the U-17 competition.

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