The Warriors, who suffered an early exit from the 2019 AFCON finals here on Sunday, are in the eye of a match-fixing storm, amid reports that their 4-0 loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo was not genuine.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) officials were not responding to the allegations yesterday.

The reports surfaced in the Madagascan media yesterday, claiming DRC could be thrown out of the finals for attempting to influence the outcome of their Group A showdown against the Warriors on Sunday.

The report, quoting unnamed sources, claimed CAF leaders were seized with the matter and suggested that wealthy Congolese businessman and politician Moise Katumbi, the multi-millionaire owner of five-time African champions TP Mazembe, could have been involved in the plot to sway Zimbabwe goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze to underperform in the big match and boost the cause of the Central Africans.

The media outlet in Madagascar claimed its sources had revealed the CAF leadership were considering throwing the Congolese out of the finals, and banning the country from taking part in the tournament for three years, because of attempts to try and influence the result against Zimbabwe.

The report claimed that Katumbi was seen at the hotel where the Warriors were staying, Le Meredien, which also housed the Congolese as per the draw for the accommodation that was done by CAF prior to the tournament, apparently trying to put his plans into motion.

It also claimed that it was unlikely the Congolese would be allowed to play their Round of 16 match against Madagascar on Sunday and could either be replaced by the Warriors, who would be handed the match on a 3-0 scoreline, or the Indian Ocean islanders could be handed a walk-over into the quarter-finals.State media