Of the 52 nations, only Somalia didn't take part, Cameroon qualified as holders and Tunisia qualified as hosts.
Furthermore, Djibouti, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Guinea-Bissau withdrew.
Tanzania pulled out for financial reasons and the game was awarded to Sudan.
The match was abandoned at 3-0 in 85' when Mauritania were reduced to six players following 5 red cards.
The best runner-up from groups with four teams would qualify for the finals.