Jordan Ayew Leads A Team Of Star Players Likely To Join The Drop

Aston Villa Ghanaian forward Jordan Ayew has been included in a team of star players likely to go on relegation with their clubs, at the end of the current campaign.

The trickery Black Stars wideman, has been one of the few shining spots in an otherwise disastrous season for his beleaguered club as they stare at relegation with no hopes of survival.

The Ghanaian, is joined upfront by a Newcastle United duo of Musah Sissoko and Ayoze Perez in a deadly attacking partnership.

Whoscored.com, one of the largest online database website globally assembled, the best eleven players from the basement clubs of the 2015/15 Premiership with just six matches to the end of the season.

Rafa Benitez Toon army dominated the starting XI with five players in the team, whiles Jordan Ayew is joined by two other club mates in Mika Richards and Ibrahima Gueye.

Rob Eliot has been spotted as the best of the three possibly relegated custodians whiles Yunus Kaboul , Yan Mvila sealed their place in the side a representatives from Sunderland.

Best XI Players likely to be relegated Rob Eliot, Darryl Janmaat, Micha Richard, Yunus Kaboul, Rudy Brady, Iddrisa Gana, Yan Mvila, Musah Sissoko, Ayoze Perez and Jordan Ayew.

Jordan Ayew arrived at the Villa Park at the start of the campaign but his 5 odd strikes could not power Aston Villa out of a dreadful start to the season that has three wins to their name all season.

Jordan Ayew Leads A Team Of Star Players Likely To Join The Drop

Killa Name 18-man Squad For Togo Friendly

West Africa Football Academy head coach, John Killa has named a 18-man squad for a return leg friendly against Togo home-based national team.

The Sogakope based club defeated the baby Sparrow Hawks 1-0 two weeks ago and returning to the West Africa country to fine tune their preparations for not next weekend Ghana Premier League fixture against Asante Kotoko.

John KLila called on the services of 18 players comprising of two goalkeepers, six defenders and seven midfielders and  three strikers.

Below is the the full squad:

Goalkeepers:

Philemon Macarthy, Razack Abalora

Defenders:

Ibrahim Abubakar, Richmond Lamptey, Emmanuel Boateng, Martin Antwi, Charles Boateng,Umar Basiru.

Midfielders:

Gideon Waja, Gideon Akunnor, Kennedy Boateng, Stephen Boye, Majeed Ashimeru, Langui Koffi Leenon Becanty, Alhassan Mohammed.

Forwarders:

Abdul Wahab Ibrahim, Justice Aaron Amartey, Ibrahim Tanko.

Killa Name 18-man Squad For Togo Friendly

Joseph Lamptey Assigned To Ethiopia - Angola Match

The Confederation of Africa Football, CAF, has assigned Ghanaian FIFA referees, Joseph Lamptey and David Laryea to take of charge of happenings at the Amahoro stadium when Ethiopia lock heads against Angola for a place in the quarterfinal of the ongoing 2016 African Nations Championship in Kigali.

Joseph Lamptey will be at centre whilst his Ghanaian compatriot, David Laryea Gabonese Theophile Vinga will assist him on the lines.

Juste Ephraim Zio of the Burkina Faso will be on the touchline as the fourth official and they will be assessed by An Yan Lim Kee Chong of Mauritius.

Ethiopia, nicknamed the Walia Antelopes are yet to record win at the CHAN tournament after losing the opening game 3-0 against DR Congo followed by a goalless draw against Cameroon on Thursday.

The draw gave the East Africans a live wire as they are placed third in Group B with just one point. Their hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals remain alive, but their fate is not in their own hands.

And Joseph Lamptey has been given the responsibility to control proceedings.

Joseph Lamptey Assigned To Ethiopia - Angola Match

Joseph Lamptey Named Fourth Official

The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) has named Ghana’s referee Joseph O. Lamptey as the fourth referee in the Championship of African Nations (CHAN) match between Cameroon and Ethiopia on Thursday, January 21, at the Butare Huye Stadium.

This is the second appointment taken up by the Ghanaian referee in the competition, having officiated in the game between Gabon and Morocco last Saturday.

According to CAF, the match will be handled by Ivorian referee Denis Dembele, with Ghanaian David Laryea and Mama Tere from Guinea on lines one and two respectively.

Also in the list of officials are, Angolan Pedro De Moraise Neto will be the Match Commissioner with Dramen Dante of Mali as the Referees Assessor.

 

Source: GNA

Joseph Lamptey Named Fourth Official

My Children Will Never Play For Ghana - Charles Taylor

Former Accra Hearts of Oak attacker, Charles Taylor has said that he will prohibit any of children who has the mind of playing football in Ghana or the Black Stars.

The ex-Kotoko striker revelaed that he was ill-treated during the CHAN tournament in Abidjan in 2009 will prevent any of his children harbouring thoughts of playing for Ghana because the country is not worth sacrificing yo ur life for.

Talyor claim he was completely neglected by the handlers of the Local Black Stars team in 2009 after sustaining an injury which nearly brought his football carrer to an end whiles playing for the Black Stars at the 2009 (CHAN) tournament.

This he explains makes him feel dejected and does not see the reason why he should pray for any of his children to play for Ghana.

“As i sit here right now, if my kids knows how to play football and you ask them to play for Ghana, I will prohibit them,” Taylor told JLife Radio in Sunyani.

He explained that: “Because of what happened to me, I won’t allow them to play for any of the national teams or even in the Ghanaian league because there is no benefit in it.

Charles Taylor was a member of local Black Stars team that qualified to final of the maiden edition of the tournament. He revealed he got injured during competition and was left on his fate.

“After what happened to me during the CHAN tournament, not even a single member of the Ghana Football Association was able to call me to ask of the condition of my wounded leg after the competition, so I’ve realize there is no need dying for Ghana.”

Charles Taylor was a member of the Accra Hearts of Oak team that won the CAF Champions league in 2001, defeating Esperance Sportive de Tunis.

My Children Will Never Play For Ghana - Charles Taylor

Veteran Christopher Katongo Inspires Zambia To Beat Zimbabwe In CHAN Group D Opener

The decision to include two veteran Zambian internationals and Africa Nations Cup gold medal winners in their CHAN 2016 squad has paid off, as Isaac Chansa scored the decisive goal for Zambia to beat Zimbabwe in their opening game at Rwanda 2016.

Chansa and Chris Katongo both started the game for Chipolopolo and their role in guiding the younger players and adding a touch of class was evident for all to see.

It took just four minutes for the game’s opening scoring opportunity when Chris Katongo beat his marker at the near post and managed to turn a left wing cross towards goal with his head, but the ball was just wide of the goalposts.

Then Zambia made more inroads into the Zimbabwe defence in the 11th minute as Katongo slipped the ball to Mwape, but his shot at goal was off the mark as he shot while slightly off balance.

Two minutes later Zimbabwe got their first shot at goal when Chitiyo found space inside the danger area and fired in a powerful shot only for Banda to save well.

Inside the final ten minutes of the first half, Isaac Chansa let rip with a powerful effort from long range, but the ball just flew wide of the target.

Zimbabwe should have scored in the 45th minute when Chirambadare got in behind his marker and burst into a one on one situation with goalkeeper Banda, but his left footed shot had too much curl on it and the ball swerved wide of the far upright.

The second half started with some intent and there were some half chances in the first few minutes, but in the 58th Isaac Chansa made certain with an acrobatic volley at the far post following an excellent, curling cross to the far post.

Zimbabwe should have equalised in the 72nd minute when they got into space on the left side of Zambia’s 18 area and flashed a shot across goal, but the ball could not find the inside of the far post.

Zambia held onto their slender lead and scored a valuable three points in their opening game of the tournament.

Veteran Christopher Katongo Inspires Zambia To Beat Zimbabwe In CHAN Group D Opener

Tunisia, Guinea Play To Entertaining 2-2 Draw In CHAN 2016 Group C Opener

Tunisia and Guinea got Group C at the 2016 African Nations Championship off to an entertaining start as they played to a 2-2 draw in Kigali on Monday afternoon.

Ahmed Akaichi and Alseny Camara Agogo were the heroes of the day, scoring a brace apiece for the Carthage Eagles and Syli Nationale respectively.

The North Africans will feel they have let two point slip out of their hands, having twice held the lead while also hitting the woodwork on two separate occasions, while Guinea will be satisfied with the result on their CHAN debut.

After a quiet opening period in which no clear chances were created by either team, Tunisia opened the scoring in the 33rd minute when Ahmed Akaichi cleverly flicked home Hamza Mathlouthi’s low cross from the right flank.

Just a minute later the North Africans had a chance to double their advantage, slicing through the defence to give Akaichi a one-one-one chance with goalkeeper Abdoul Aziz Keita, but the attacker’s effort hit the crossbar.

Guinea struck back in the 40th minute, with a well-worked move allowing Ibrahima Sory Bangoura to put a ball across the face of goal which Zied Derbali inexplicably failed to clear, leaving Alseny Camara Agogo an easy finish for 1-1.

The West Africans almost took the lead in the first minute of injury time before the interval, with Ibrahima Sory Sankhon shooting on target from a free kick only to be denied by a fine diving save from Rami Jeridi.

The Carthage Eagles reclaimed the lead six minutes into the second half and Akaichi was again the man who found the back of the net, this time running onto a long ball out of defence before beating the ‘keeper at his near post to make it 2-1.

Tunisia hit the crossbar for second time in the 81st minute, with Zied Derbali getting on the end of a corner kick and sending a header onto the woodwork, but just two minutes later they were pegged back for a second time. A Guinean corner kick picked out substitute Jean Mouste, whose clever header back into the danger zone allowed Camara Agogo to fire home a sharp volley and make it 2-2.

The teams will be in action again on Friday in the second round of Group C matches: Tunisia will tackle Nigeria, while Guinea face Niger.

Tunisia, Guinea Play To Entertaining 2-2 Draw In CHAN 2016 Group C Opener

CHAN 2016: Chikatara Hat-Trick Sinks Niger As Super Eagles Go Top

After a frustrating goalless first half, second-half substitute Chisom Chikatara smashed home a hat-trick for Nigeria to dump Niger and go top of Group C in the 2016 CHAN.

The opening game between Tunisia and Guinea finished in a 2-2 draw, meaning both teams split the points with Nigeria top on three points.

Nigeria went ahead just seconds after the restart when striker Tunde Adeniji floated a cross from the left for the lively Osas Okoro to stab home.

Then enter Abia Warriors young striker Chikatara, who came on as a 58th minute sub for Adeniji to score Nigeria’s second goal on 74 minutes.

It was a superb goal as the man of the man chested a long searching ball by Okoro, before he fired past a helpless goalkeeper Alzouma.

However, Niger pulled a goal back through substitute Zakaria Adebayor in the 81^st minute, when his thunderbolt from distance gave Nigeria goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa no chance.

But just before Niger could celebrate the goal, Nigeria responded with a second goal for Chikatara off another assist by Okoro.

And in stoppage time, the 21-year-old Chikatara completed his hat-trick when he finished off a through ball from Prince Aggreh.

The Abia Warriors front man could even have scored more goals, but he lacked the composure inside the box with the Niger goal at his mercy.

But before all these goals, the two West African teams had played out a dull, goalless first half with Niger frustrating the Eagles with their offside tactic.

Nigeria struggled to impose themselves over Niger, who have been solid and organised at the back even if they hardly threatened when going forward.

Aggreh and Osas Okoro on both flanks went behind the Niger defence on a number of occasions, but the final finish deserted Sunday Oliseh’s team.

The pacy Aggreh struggled with his decision making in front of goal if not Nigeria would have been ahead early in this encounter.

The tempo was slow and ponderous in a game in the first period, but all that was forgotten with five cracking goals after the interval to wrap up an exciting match day at the CHAN in Rwanda.

CHAN 2016: Chikatara Hat-Trick Sinks Niger As Super Eagles Go Top

Atouba Emane Gives 10-Man Cameroon Victory Over Angola In CHAN 2016

A stunning free kick by Yazid Atouba Emane midway through the first half saw a 10-man Cameroon hold on for a hard-fought 1-0 win over Angola at CHAN 2016.

The Group B clash started off slowly and there was not much to celebrate inside the opening ten minutes as both teams felt each other out and did not take too many risks.

But late in the game, and especially after Cameroon defender Joseph Ngwem was sent off, Angola were all over Cameroon and should have found their way back into the game given all the chances they had, with livewire substitute Mateus especially impressive.

Angola did have a half chance in just the opening few minutes after a botched Cameroon clearance, but Adriano Duarte could pick out the corner with his curled attempt at goal.

But after 21 minutes, Cameroon won a free kick in a very good area just in front of the D-line of Angola’s 18 area. Atouba Emane did very well to curl the set piece around the wall and into the corner of goal to make it 1-0.

A great attacking move down the left wing by Angola in the 34th minute saw an excellent cross just fail to meet the head of an Angolan striker and Cameroon were able to clear the danger.

Angola had a good chance just before half time when a long range shot took a deflection, but the pace of the ball slowed down and Cameroon keeper Nyame was able to save easily.

Five minutes into the second half and Angola’s dangerman Adriano Duarte saw his powerful ground shot saved in what was a good passage of play from Angola.

Angola continued to push hard for an equalizer and on the hour mark big centre back Fabricio got on the end of a deep cross, but his strong header flew just over the bar.

Then in the 66th minute Cameroon had a defender sent off as Ngwem lunged into a tackle carelessly and was given his marching orders.

As a result Angola upped their attack and began asking questions of the Cameroon defence with substitute Mateus twisting and turning his way through the Cameroonians.

Angola should have got the leveler in the 84th minute when they created space and Miguel cut inside on the left wing and fired a shot at goal only for the Cameroon defence to block the goal-bound shot.

Atouba Emane Gives 10-Man Cameroon Victory Over Angola In CHAN 2016

CHAN 2016: DR Congo Cruise To Comfortable 3-0 Win Over Ethiopia

Héritier Luvumbu was the star of the show as the Democratic Republic of Congo cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over Ethiopia in a Group B 2016 African Nations Championship clash at the Stade Huye in Butare on Sunday.

The AS Vita midfielder played a part in all three goals as The Leopards enhanced their credentials as one of the favourites for the crown in Rwanda.

After an equal start to the game, Florent Ibenge’s troops started to dominate with Luvumbu stating his intent on 32 minutes – forcing Mamo into a good save from long range.

DRC entered the tunnel at the break a goal up, Guy Lusadisu with a towering header from a Luvumbu cross a minute before the interval.

The fans were still finding their seats as Luvumbu doubled the 2009 champions lead with a power header two minutes after the break.

This before the knockout blow followed in the 57th minute – Luvumbu burst down the left flank before firing in a pin-point cross, which left Meschack Elia with an easy finish.

DRC next face Angola on Thursday while Ethiopia will be eager to bounce back against Cameroon.

CHAN 2016: DR Congo Cruise To Comfortable 3-0 Win Over Ethiopia

Bayisenge Emery Send Elephants To Kigali Bush

Africa Cup of nations Championship host Rwanda opened their tournament with a 1-0 victory over the Elephants of  Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday.

Bayisenge Emery solitary goal was enough for Johnny McKinstry’s men to put smiles on the faces of Rwandans. In a heart-pumpig encounter the Ivorians were outclassed as the atmosphere made it difficult for the Les Elephants to find their feet.

The ‘baby Elephants’ devised the rugged strategy and it led to heavy which the beautu of the game as it was dominated by fouls in the middle of the park.

Rwandans alacrity and hard work paid dividends 22 minutes as man of the day Bayisenge Emery free-kick flew into the net.

Ivory coast responded to the wake up call and pushed bodies up the pitch. A promising cross from the right flank almost gave them equaliser, but Ali Sangare gathered with aplomb.

At the other end of the pitch, a cushion was almost achieved when Innocent Habyarimana unleashed a pile driver, but it went wide and flew into the stands.

Michel Dussuyer’s side regrouped and hoped to make use of their strength to bamboozle their way through. Probing questions were asked but Rwanda had answers.

Amavubi marshalled the middle of park and looked to be from a different planet from the others. His superiority showed in every aspect of his game.

Cote d’Ivoire looked to have settled in the game and took control of proceedings as the pendulum swang onto their side. Boua delivered a pin-point cross but it failed to meet the intended target and it sailed across the face of goal.

With recess fast approaching, Cote d’Ivoire looked the much better side but their final balls were nothing to write home about. When they finally to seem t curve an edge, Boua couldn’t connect to finish after interplay left him one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

Cote d’Ivoire were rejuvenated in the second half, dictating play and doing everything right but only a goal was lacking.  However, the hosts were awarded a penalty when Isenge was brought down in the box. Emery took responsibility but his attempt was saved by Sangare in the 60th minute.

The host lost their tempo after the penalty miss and Cote d’Ivoire the advantage but Dussuyer’s men could only keep under pressure without any end product. Hard luck smiled at Guiza as ferocious shot caught goalkeeper Ndayishimiye on the hook, but the woodwork saved Rwanda as they failed to wake up from their siesta.

Ivory Coast would feel they deserve at least a point, but in the end, McKinstry’s side held onto their slender lead from the first half amd chased the Elephants into the bush.

Bayisenge Emery Send Elephants To Kigali Bush

Gabon And Morocco Draw Goalless In CHAN 2016 2nd Match

Gabon and Morocco played to a dull 0-0 draw in their Group A 2016 CAF African Nations Championship match at Stade Amahoro in Kigali on Saturday evening.

It was a cagey start, with both sides aiming to settle down in the contest, not to commit early mistakes and there were no clear-cut chances after 10 minutes of action.

The Atlas Lions dominated the tie after the 10th-minute mark as they pushed forward in search of an early lead, however, winger Abdelilah Hafidi saw his shot going wide in the 15th minute.

On the other hand, Stephane Bounguendza’s men were stable at the back but they lost the ball easily in the midfield, and Ness Younga attempted a shot from the edge of the box but it went wide.

Mohamed Fakhir’s men nearly caught the Panthers napping when Abdessamad El Mobaraky received a pass from a quick free-kick, but his shot went wide after the 35th minute.

The game lacked free flow and was dominated by fouls and long balls, but in the last five minutes of the half Morocco came close to bagging a lead when Abdeladim Khadrouf nearly beat Bitseki – his shot went across the mouth of the goal with nobody to finish it off.

With a few minutes to go, Ondo Biyoghe saw his spectacular bicycle kick going wide of goal and it was 0-0 at half time.

After five minutes into the second stanza, Morocco took the game to Gabon but the Panthers remained steady at the back, with Mobaraky taking a long range shot looking to put it in the top corner, but Bitseki showed great reflexes and collected.

After 80 minutes in the encounter, the game became an interesting affair but then goals wouldn’t come as both sides wasted their opportunities.

Bitseki came out to stop Morocco’s attack and a few moments later Boumpenza nearly bagged the three points for Gabon, but his header went wide off the far post.

In the injury time, Mario Mandrault beat his man and surged forward but his final shot let him down as the shot flew way too wide.

The draw means both sides have one point apiece and the hosts, Rwanda, lead the standings with three after beating Cote d’Ivoire 1-0.

Gabon And Morocco Draw Goalless In CHAN 2016 2nd Match

Rwanda Beat Cote d’Ivoire In CHAN 2016 Opening Match

A solitary goal by Bayisenge Emery ensured Rwanda defeated Cote d’Ivoire 1-0 during their Group A 2016 CAF African Nations Championship opening match at Stade Amahoro in Kigali on Saturday afternoon.

Johnny McKinstry’s men started like a house on fire, with his charges taking the game to the Ivorians and the Rwandans fully behind them.

However, the match was dominated by fouls in the middle of the park, with Rwanda fouling Koffi Boua, but six minutes later the hosts delivered a pin-point cross from the right only for goalkeeper Ali Sangare to collect easily.

In a follow-up attempt, Innocent Habyarimana unleashed a grass-cutting shot in the 15th minute which couldn’t give keeper Sangare any troubles as it went wide.

A minute later, Emery netted from a fine free kick, beating Sangare in the 16th minute to hand the hosts the lead, and the culprit Koffi Mercelin went into the referee’s book for a foul.

Michel Dussuyer’s side kept probing despite Amavubi’s superiority in the middle of the park, however, Boua’s cross failed to meet the intended target and it sailed across the face of goal in the 22nd minute.

With the match heading to the interval, the Elephants’ Boua couldn’t connect with the ball following a great run behind the defence and it was 1-0 at the interval.

Just after coming from the tunnel, the hosts were awarded a penalty when Isenge was brought down in the box. Emery took it but his attempt was saved by Sangare in the 60th minute.

With 13 minutes to go, Rwanda’s Isenge started a great move but he failed to connect with a return pass in the box and in their swift response, the Elephants’ Guiza missed a great opportunity to level matters: with the keeper off his line, his shot went over the bar.

In the 80th minute Dussuyer’s men kept the hosts under pressure and Guiza was unfortunate as he hit the woodwork with the keeper Ndayishimiye left stranded and beaten hands down.

In the end, McKinstry’s side held onto their lead and walked away with the full three points as the top Group A.

Rwanda Beat Cote d’Ivoire In CHAN 2016 Opening Match

Host Rwanda And Cote d"Ivoire Open Gates As CHAN Starts Today.

The fourth edition of the Afrcia Nations Championship (CHAN), a unique senior national team tournament for home-based players kicks off in Rwanda today (Saturday) in Kigali.

Players eligible for this competition must be a native by birth or adoption and ply their trade in their country.

The tournament matches are recognised by FIFA as full internationals with results counting toward the monthly Coca-Cola FIFA rankings.

The Confedrration of Africa Football inaugurated the idea to provide competitive tournaments for local base players and provide national team experience as most national teams in the continent has been monopolized by players who ply their trade abroad.

Labelled the ‘baby brother’ of the Africa Cup of Nations, the CHAN has the same format with 15 qualifiers and the hosts split into four groups from which winners and runners-up advance to the quarter-finals.

The home-only rule will have little effect on finalists like Rwanda and Ethiopia, the bulk of whose leading footballers perform in the domestic championships.

But the Nigeria and Ivory Coast CHAN squads bares no resemblance to the sides which won the Cup of Nations in South Africa and Equitorial Guinea respectively.

Tunisia and Nigeria (who placed 4th in last edition in South Africa) are the first and second seeds in Group C and are tipped to sail through the group with success.

Guinea are debutants whilst Niger who makes up the group are in the tournament for the second time.

Host Rwanda had no favours as they were housed alongside Gabon, Ivory Coast and Morocco the strong Group A.

Democratic Republic of Congo, winners of the maiden CHAN tournament against Ghana in Abidjan seven years ago, and Cameroon look the strongest sides in Group B, which is completed by Angola and Ethiopia. Angola are known for quality home talents playing while Ethiopia showed the continent what their league is made up off during the 2013 Africa Cup of nations in South Africa.

Mali, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe make up Group D.

Zambia have chosen midfielder Isaac Chansa and striker Christopher Katongo, pivotal figures in the team that mocked the form book by winning the 2012 Cup of Nations.

Recalled after two years in the international wilderness, the veterans said they were ‘humbled by the call-ups and the confidence shown in their abilities.’

Rwanda and Ivory Coast will open the floodgates at 15:00 GMT before Gabon and Morocco lock horns in the second Group A game at 18:00 GMT.

Host Rwanda And Cote d"Ivoire Open Gates As CHAN Starts Today.

Referee Joseph Lamptey To Officiate CHAN 2016 2nd Match Between Gabon And Morocco

Ghanaian referee Joseph Odartei Lamptey will officiate the second match of the CHAN 2016 tournament between Gabon and Morocco.

The tournament which kicks off today in Rwanda with see the hosts take on Cote d’Ivoire in the opening match, a game that will be officiated by Malagasy referee Hamada El Moussa Nampiandraza who will be assisted by Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue of Cameroon and South African Mothibidi Stevens Khumalo with Ali Lemghaifry of Mauritania as the fourth official.

Referee Joseph Odartei Lamptey will be assisted by fellow Ghanaian compatriot David Laryea with Marwa Range of Kenya the other officcial.

The fourth official for the Gabon and Morocco is Kenyan Davies Ogenche Omweno, in what completes a Ghana-Kenya combination.

Referee Joseph Lamptey To Officiate CHAN 2016 2nd Match Between Gabon And Morocco

CHAN 2016: Rwanda Ready For Big Kick Off

The fourth edition of a unique senior national team tournament kicks off in Rwanda Saturday with Nigeria and Tunisia among the title favourites.

Only footballers playing in their country of birth are eligible for the African Nations Championship (CHAN), whose matches are recognised by FIFA as full internationals with results counting toward the monthly rankings.

A brainchild of CAF president and acting FIFA president Issa Hayatou, the CHAN was introduced to give local stars national team experience they would not ordinarily get because overseas-based compatriots are preferred.

Labelled the ‘baby brother’ of the Africa Cup of Nations, the CHAN has the same format with 15 qualifiers and the hosts split into four groups from which winners and runners-up advance to the quarter-finals.

The home-only rule will have little effect on finalists like Rwanda and Ethiopia, the bulk of whose leading footballers perform in the domestic championships.

But the Ivory Coast CHAN squad bares no resemblance to that which competes in the Cup of Nations and is dominated by Europe-based stars like four-time African Footballer of the Year Yaya Toure.

However, France-born Ivorian Cup of Nations coach Michel Dussuyer is also in charge of a CHAN selection in which first-time champions AS Tanda have six players. Franco-Pole Henryk Kasperczak fills a similar role for Tunisia, but gallbladder surgery prevented him travelling to Rwanda and assistant Hatem Missaoui takes charge.

Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh sees little difference between the Africa Cup of Nations and the African Nations Championship tournaments.

“We do not have A and B teams,” he stressed in South Africa while preparing for the 22-day CHAN, which will be staged at four venues, two of them in the capital Kigali.

“They are all national squad players with the only difference being that some play abroad and others at home.”

Tunisia and Nigeria are the first and second seeds in Group C and it would be a shock if they failed to reach the knockout stage at the expense of Niger and debutants Guinea.

Nigeria defender Samson Gbadebo is brimming with confidence after the West Africans beat Ivory Coast and drew with Angola in Pretoria warm-up matches against fellow finalists.

“There is nothing to worry about in our group. We will start with a victory against Niger and top the standings.

“Our players compete in a leading African national championship and I believe we have what it takes to go all the way.”

Oliseh is wary of Tunisia, whose squad contains many of the stars who helped Etoile Sahel beat Orlando Pirates of South Africa in the 2015 CAF Confederation Cup final. “Tunisia have a strong domestic league and many of the CHAN squad also play in the Cup of Nations,” he said.

The draw did Rwanda no favours with Gabon, Ivory Coast and Morocco the strong Group A rivals of a host nation coached by 30-year-old Johnny McKinstry. “Rwandans can be confident that our squad will give everything in pursuit of good performances,” was the reassuring message from the Irishman.

Democratic Republic of Congo, winners of the maiden CHAN in Abidjan seven years ago, and Cameroon look the strongest sides in Group B, which is completed by Angola and Ethiopia. But choosing two likely quarter-finalists from Group D contenders Mali, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe is difficult.

Zambia have chosen midfielder Isaac Chansa and striker Christopher Katongo, pivotal figures in the team that mocked the form book by winning the 2012 Cup of Nations.

Recalled after two years in the international wilderness, the veterans said they were “humbled by the call-ups and the confidence shown in their abilities”.

Source: AFP

CHAN 2016: Rwanda Ready For Big Kick Off

CHAN 2016: Referee Lamptey to handle Gabon/Morocco game

The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) has appointed Ghanaian referee Joseph O. Lamptey, as the centre referee for the second game of the Championship of Africa Nations (CHAN) between Gabon and Morocco on Saturday, January 16, in Kigali Rwanda.

Referee Lamptey, according to CAF will be assisted on the lines by Marwa Range of Kenya and David Laryea of Ghana, with David Ogenche Omwero as the fourth referee.

Other officails for the match include Salifou Camara of Guinea who will act as the Match Commissioner with Paul Ekong Bassey of Nigeria as the General Coordinator.

The game is referee Lamptey’s first game in the competition and the Ghanaian is likely to handle a lot of matches in the competition following his performances in the continental assignments.

CHAN 2016: Referee Lamptey to handle Gabon/Morocco game

Referee Lamptey for CHAN 2016

Ghana’s leading referee Joseph O. Lamptey, has been selected by the Confederation of Africa (CAF) to officiate in the 2016 Championship of African Nation (CHAN) in Rwanda.

The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) referee Joseph O. Lamptey and one assistant referee David Laryea, managed to survive the rigorous physical test physical fitness test on Monday, January 11 ahead of the competition.

Referee Lamptey and Laryea, would be among the team of referees that will handle matches at the three week competition.

He said in an interview that, though the physical fitness was very rigorous they managed to overcome it and are now set to officiate in the competition.

Referee Lamptey, has been Ghana’s leading middle man in recent years having officiated in series of CAF Champions League Matches, the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA Under 20 World Cup in Equatorial Guinea and New Zealand respectivley last year.

The Championship has since commenced in Rwanda.

Referee Lamptey for CHAN 2016