Referees exercise at Amahoro National Stadium in preparation for the CHAN tournament. PHOTO | CYRIL NDEGEYA |
What you need to know:
CHAN 2016 Fixture
Group A: Rwanda, Gabon, Morocco, and Cote d'Ivoire
Group B: DR Congo, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Angola
Group C: Guinea, Tunisia, Nigeria, and Niger
Group D: Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mali, and Uganda
Sixteen countries have bolstered their football teams ahead of the fourth edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) that kicks off this weekend in Rwanda.
The tournament runs until February 7, in Rwanda’s Amahoro, Umuganda, Huye and Nyamirambo stadiums.
Rwanda Football Association president Vincent Nzamwita said it’s a dream come true for his country. “This tournament is a big honour for our people and especially for President Paul Kagame, who decided to host it a few years ago,” said Mr Nzawita.
Defending champions Libya are already out of this year’s tournament.
The “Group of Death” is probably going to be Group C (Guinea, Tunisia, Nigeria and Niger).
Hosts Rwanda (in Group A, with Gabon, Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire) are hoping to win their matches: The Amavubi will be playing under coach Johnny McKinstry.
Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh’s 23-man squad has been handed a daunting task if they are to qualify for the knockout phase. The Super Eagle’s first match will be against Niger.
Niger’s Menas are not considered as favourites in Group C, but could prove to be worthy contenders if they beat the Super Eagles.
Cote d’Ivoire’s Les Elephants were eliminated during the first edition of the tournament in 2009, by Singuluma, who netted a hat trick for Zambia, and in 2011 their chances of a comeback were dimmed by Cameroon and DR Congo. Head coach Michel Dussuyer, who guided Guinea to the quarter finals of the African Cup of Nations, returned to Cote d’Ivoire last year.
Guinea are participating in their first ever CHAN tournament, under head coach Luis Miguel Fernández Toledo.
The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon will meet Angola in their opening match (in Group B, with the DRC and Ethiopia). Hugo Nyame, Abogo Pierre Sylvain and Anye Derrick are among the stars in the squad.
Ethiopia, who will be making their second appearance, have placed their hopes in new manager Yohannes Sahle.
The Leopards of the DRC, the 2009 champions, will be looking to play in accordance with their high ranking by Fifa at position 46. Coach Florent Ibenge will be in charge.
The Sable Antelopes of Angola will be seeking revenge after Tunisia bundled them out in the finals of 2011. Their toughest match will probably be against Cameroon at the Huye stadium in Butare.
Mali faces Uganda in their opening fixture (in Group D, with Zambia and Zimbabwe).
Uganda Cranes are under head coach Milutin Sredojevic. Key on his agenda will be proving to his former employer, the Rwanda Football Federation, that they shouldn’t have fired him three years ago.
Zesco United’s Jacob Banda hopes to lead the Chipolopolo squad of Zambia to victory. Head coach George Lwandamina will lead a team that also includes striker Christopher Katongo and midfielder Isaac Chansa.
Zimbabwe, who lost to Libya in their semi-finals two years ago to settle for a fourth place finish, will be counting on star striker Knox Mutizwa.
Morocco head coach Badou Ezzaki will be sending his squad out to fight for the cup.
Gabon, who proved in the last edition that they cannot be dismissed easily after securing a quarter finals ticket, aim to finish on a high note.
