Botswana ‘used overage players’

Rwanda Football Federation (Ferwafa) has reported Botswana to the Confederation of African Football for using overage players in the return leg of the 2013 African U-17 Youth Championships qualifiers.Reliable sources in the national football governing body, speaking on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to talk to the media in official capacity, intimated to Times Sport that up to six Young Zebras’ players were over the age of 17 years, the standard age limit.They include; Kgosipula Keeagile (no.16), Outlule Wakgotra (no.4), Djisele Lebogang (no.6), Daniel Kedidmetse (no.1), Kebue Thato (no.21) and Patrick Ramatrapeng Thatayaone (no.7).News of Rwanda taking the case to the continental governing body, which sanctions the championships, was confirmed yesterday by Ferwafa chairman Celestin Ntagungira.“We have enough evidence that six of Botswana players were above 17 years of age and we have already submitted a complaint to CAF. We’re waiting to hear from them (CAF),” the local football federation boss told this paper, adding that they have even paid the US$1200 (a fee that accompanies such complaints).He added, “We found out that about the six players prior to the return leg match at the weekend and informed the match officials but the players in question went ahead, so we have to wait for CAF’s decision.” This follows the disappointment of the U-17 team losing 6-5 on penalties despite grinding out a 1-0 win over the Young Zebras in a fierce second-leg clash on Saturday in the qualifier for the 2013 AYC edition which will be staged in Morocco. Botswana had won the first leg 1-0 ten days ago in Gabone.If found guilty, Botswana faces disqualification hence handing the initiative back to Rwanda, who will go on to face the winner between Sudan and Algeria in the final qualifying round.Sudan, despite losing over the two legs, progressed to the next round at the expense of Somalia, who used overage players and were disqualified.

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Botswana ‘used overage players’