The Gambia Scorpions have been excluded from the qualifying draws for next year's maiden edition of the African Nations Championship by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Observer Sports has reliably gathered.

The exclusion of the Scorpions has, however, left The Gambia Football Association in a state of bewilderment.

The tournament is a continental event similar to the African Nations Cup, but only that this time, the competition which is aim to develop the local game in African countries, is strictly for local-based players.

The  Secretary General of The Gambia Football Association Jammeh Bojang has expressed shock at the exclusion of The Gambia from the event, stating that the Scorpions were interested in featuring at the inaugural tournament.

"We have written to CAF for an explanation because we do not why were not included even though we were very much interested in taking part," he told Observer Sports.

The qualifying round of the tournament will feature thirty teams, from which eight, including the host side, will finally qualify to play in the finals of the competition.

The tournament will be hosted in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, between January and February next year.