The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has come under heavy criticism and trolling after the poster of the DR Congo-Central African Republic game at the ongoing 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was shared on its X handle.
The two nations faced off in Group C of the tournament, underway in Egypt, on Monday, May 5.
However, followers of the official X handle of the continent’s football-governing body questioned the ages of the players whose pictures appeared on the poster.
The players are Tonny Talasi Madudu of DR Congo and Junior John Nganza of Central African Republic.
“Someone needs to build a real damn age verification system,” a follower said, “because age cheating in Africa is killing honest development.
“Too many so-called “under-20” players are just washed-up men clinging to a dream, stealing spots from actual kids with potential. It’s a joke. How many real under-20s never got their shot because some 28-year-old with a fake birth certificate took their place?”
Someone needs to build a real damn age verification system, because age cheating in Africa is killing honest development. Too many so-called “under-20” players are just washed-up men clinging to a dream, stealing spots from actual kids with potential. It’s a joke. How many real…
— Enemy of Average (@ATshoaedi) May 5, 2025
“Africa. This is why the continent fails to grow. These U40 men playing for U20,” another said.
Africa. This is why the continent fails to grow. These U40 men playing for U20
— Ismail Sodimu (@Ismail_Enny) May 5, 2025
“Eeii these people be U-20?????” another questioned.
The tournament is ongoing in Egypt with Ghana in the same group as DR Congo and Central African Republic.
How am I going to explain to my kids these guys are under 20’s😳😳😳🤔
— Stefan S – C.P.A (non-practicing) Texas, USA (@3Tminerals) May 5, 2025
