CAIRO (AP) — Equatorial Guinea has been thrown out of the African Cup qualifying competition for fielding an ineligible player. Last year, the team forfeited two games in World Cup qualifying for the same offense.

The Confederation of African Football on Thursday upheld an appeal by Mauritania over the eligibility of striker Thierry Fidjeu, who played in a May 17 qualifier in Nouakchott. CAF ruled that Cameroon-born Fidjeu was ineligible for Equatorial Guinea.

Mauritania won the game in question 1-0. However, Equatorial Guinea won the second leg at home to take the two-leg series 3-1 on aggregate.

With Equatorial Guinea disqualified, Mauritania goes through to the next round. It will play Uganda.

Next year’s 16-team African Cup of Nations will be hosted by Morocco.

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