LAUSANNE: Sudan’s football federation has appealed to sport’s highest court to regain a World Cup qualifying victory it was stripped of by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport says it aims to give a verdict by the end of February, before group matches resume.

Sudan would lead African Group D ahead of 2010 World Cup quarterfinalist Ghana if it keeps a 2-0 win over Zambia in Khartoum on June 2.

FIFA awarded Zambia a 3-0 win by default after ruling that Saif Ali, who scored the second goal, should have been suspended for getting yellow cards in previous competitive matches.

Zambia, the African champion, will have maximum points from two matches if CAS upholds the FIFA ruling.

Sudan next plays away to Ghana on March 22.