Egypt qualified by default after both Morocco and Nigeria withdrew. Egypt later also withdrew itself due to the deterioration of its diplomatic relations with Tunisia following a speech in Jericho by Tunisian President Bourguiba, who called on the Arab countries to recognize Israel.[1]
Zone 2
The match in Nairobi between Kenya and Ethiopia was awarded as a 0-2 walkover win, after Ethiopia lodged a protest with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) because Kenya had fielded two players (Moses Wabwayi and Stephen Baraza) who were ineligible as they had represented Uganda previously. The walkover enabled Ethiopia to qualify ahead of Sudan. CAF also suspended the two players for one year (backdated beginning from September 1964) after Uganda protested that they were still registered with the Uganda F.A. and had not received official transfers. Kenya argued against the ruling and sent documents to prove that the two were Kenyan citizens, having been born in Kenya. The case was also referred to FIFA.[1]
After Egypt withdrew, CAF announced that there would be a playoff between the second-placed teams in the other three Zones to determine Egypt's replacement in the final tournament. Sudan declined the invitation to participate so a single playoff match was scheduled to be held in Accra (Ghana) on 31-10-65 between Congo-Léopoldville and Guinea. However, Guinea withdrew shortly before this date, leaving Congo-Léopoldville to qualify by default.
Notes: The 2021 and 2023 tournaments were actually held in 2022 and 2024 respectively. • There were no 1957 and 1959 qualifications as places were given by invitation only. • The "finals" articles for 1959 and 1976 are about the decisive matches of final group stages. Football in Africa portal
Congo-Léopoldville
Ethiopia
Ghana (holders)
Ivory Coast
Senegal
Tunisia (hosts)
Ethiopia
Sudan
Kenya
Uganda
81'
Ivory Coast
Congo-Léopoldville
Liberia
Senegal
Guinea
Mali
Football in Africa portal