Guinea, who were originally one of the finalists, were disqualified from the tournament on the morning of the final due to government interference in the Guinean federation, forcing the final to be postponed by one day. Guinea was replaced by Burkina Faso.
Qualification
Preliminary round
The first leg matches were played on either the 14th or 16 April 2000. The second leg matches were played on either the 28th or 30 April 2000. The winners advanced to the First Round.
The first leg matches were played on either 23 or 25 June 2000. The second leg matches were played on either 7 or 9 July 2000. The winners advanced to the second round.
The first leg matches were played on either 11 or 12 November 2000. The second leg matches were played on either 24, 25 or 26 November. The winners advanced to the finals.
The match was scratched and Mali were awarded third place, with fourth place being declared vacant, after Guinea were disqualified. The final was rearranged for March 3, with Burkina Faso, who originally lost the semifinal against Guinea, declared as finalists.
^ abcGuinea was disqualified after being suspended by FIFA on March 2, the morning of the final, due to financial irregularities and government interference in the national federation's operations. The final was rearranged for March 3, with Burkina Faso, who originally lost the semifinal against Guinea, declared as finalists. The third-place match was scratched, and fourth place was declared vacant.
^Chad was disqualified for fielding an over-aged player (Ousmane Mahamat).