Chad have withdrawn from the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group G, which comprises Egypt, Nigeria and Tanzania.

The African minnows cited financial difficulties for their surprise decision to pull out of the qualifications, leaving Group G with only three teams.

Chad were consequently fined $20,000 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and barred from taking part in the 2019 Nations Cup. 

The withdrawal means that Chad's group results will be nullified, with leaders Egypt – who initially thrashed the outsiders 5-1 away from home – now on four points instead of seven. 

Second-placed Nigeria have been deducted three points as well following their 2-0 victory over Chad, with the Super Eagles now on two points. Tanzania are also on two. 

Egypt host Nigeria on Tuesday at Alexandria's Borg El-Arab Stadium, as a win for the Pharaohs would put them on the brink of qualification for the 2017 finals in Gabon.

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