Kenya’s bid to play in the 2018 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations has been dealt a major blow following a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Friday.

Kenya are looking to force their way into the tournament that kicks off in 24 hours time in Ghana by getting the decision of the CAF’s Appeal Council overturned in their favour.

Provisional measures in the urgent appeal filed by Kenya which will see them play in the tournament in the place of Equatorial Guinea have been rejected by CAS.

CAF’s Disciplinary Council had earlier ruled to disqualify Equatorial Guinea for allegedly fielding an unqualified player in their qualifying match against Kenya.

But this decision was reversed by CAF’s Appellate Body to trigger an urgent application by Kenya to CAS.

The substantive pleadings of Kenya are yet to be heard but CAS in its provisional ruling, rejected Kenya’s request to have the decision of CAF’s Appellate Body stayed so they can participate in the tournament at the expense of Equatorial Guinea.

But this has been rejected by CAS, meaning Equatorial Guinea will feature in the tournament even as the substantive matter is being heard.

Ghana will kick off the tournament on Saturday evening in its opening group game against Algeria at the Accra Sports Stadium.