This page details the process of qualifying for the 1965 African Cup of Nations.
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Qualified teams
The qualified teams are:
Zone 1
Egypt qualified by default after both Morocco and Nigeria withdrew. Egypt later also withdrew itself due to the deterioration of its diplomatic relations with Tunisia following a speech in Jericho by Tunisian President Bourguiba, who called on the Arab countries to recognize Israel.
Zone 2
The match in Nairobi between Kenya and Ethiopia was awarded as a 0-2 walkover win, after Ethiopia lodged a protest with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) because Kenya had fielded two players (Moses Wabwayi and Stephen Baraza) who were ineligible as they had represented Uganda previously. The walkover enabled Ethiopia to qualify ahead of Sudan. CAF also suspended the two players for one year (backdated beginning from September 1964) after Uganda protested that they were still registered with the Uganda F.A. and had not received official transfers. Kenya argued against the ruling and sent documents to prove that the two were Kenyan citizens, having been born in Kenya. The case was also referred to FIFA.
Egypt's withdrawal
Egypt withdrew after qualification due to deteriorating diplomatic relationship with Tunisia (the host nation). In their place Sudan (runner-up of Zone 2) was invited but they declined; then Congo-Léopoldville (runner-up of Zone 3) was invited, and they accepted.