Algeria is hosting the seventh edition of the CHAN from January 13 to February 4. For the occasion, the country has acquired a new stadium, which bears the name of the former South African president, Nelson Mandela.
Only five days left before the start of the CHAN. Algeria, host of the competition, has acquired a new stadium for the event. A jewel of 40,000 seats that bears the name of Nelson Mandela, former South African president and anti-apartheid activist.
Located in Baraki, a suburb of Algiers, the structure was inaugurated on Saturday, January 6, during the friendly match between Algeria and Ghana (0-0), after a ceremony attended by several local sports dignitaries. Algeria will play all its matches in this stadium for the CHAN.
Big delight the coach of the local Greens, Abdelmadjid Bougherra, who has completely fallen under the spell of the infrastructure. "To be honest, I felt like I was in Europe. The new Nelson Mandela Stadium has good pitches and facilities," exclaimed the former international defender who played for ten years in several European clubs. I am also happy that we also have European class stadiums that I saw when I was a player in Europe with similar atmosphere and facilities."
His counterpart from Ghana, Annor Walker, says no different. "Honestly, what I saw at the Nelson Mandela Stadium made me excited. It is a jewel that should be cherished by all Africans. It also fully convinced me that Algeria is serious about soccer and that for this CHAN, everything will be fine as far as facilities are concerned."
The Nelson Mandela Stadium will host matches of the Algerian national team as well as matches of the national leagues. Algiers-based clubs such as CR Belouizdad and USM Alger will be able to use it for some of their home games.
