Gabonese player Guelor Kanga is set to meet the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) over controversies regarding his age. According to reports, the player who plies his trade in Europe for Serbia’s Red Star Belgrade , was born on September 1, 1990 in Gabon, four years after his mother died.
The puzzle regarding the player’s identities was raised by DRC football authorities who claimed he was Congolees and that he was born on October 5, 1985 in Kinshasa.
They also claim the player’s real name was Kiaku Kiaku Kiangana and want the Gabonese Football Federation to be charged for forging his profile while not complying with the FIFA procedures in changing sports nationality.
The development now puts Gabon on the verge of disqualification from 2021 AFCON finals. Kanga featured for Gabon in all of their six 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier matches including both legs against DR Congo.
He has so far appeared for the Panthers 46 times since making his debut nine years ago.
“We hereby inform you that CAF has opened an investigation into the case in question. You are kindly requested to send us your comments concerning the allegations mentioned in the correspondence of FECOFA in order to allow us to submit the complete file to the competent bodies of CAF,” CAF said in a letter written to Gabon.
Red Star Belgrade also commented on the issue insisting that they trusted the player.
“He played in Russia and the Czech Republic and had no problems whatsoever. We see this information as a war between the two alliances over the African Cup of Nations, in which Kanga is collateral damage. We hope that the situation will be resolved as soon as possible in favour of Gelor Kanga,’’ the club said.
