CHAN 2022: DR Congo-Uganda derby and Senegal-Ivory Coast clash on the cards
Three eye-catching fixtures are on the schedule this Saturday 14 January for matchday two of CHAN 2022 in Algeria.
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After hosts Algeria beat Libya (1-0) on Friday 13 January in the opening game of the 7th edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), it is the turn of Mozambique and Ethiopia to make their entrance in Group A on Saturday. The Mozambicans and Ethiopians will be looking to follow the Fennecs A' and get their tournament off to a good start.
With two appearances already under their belt (2014 and 2016), the home-based Walyas have the edge over the Mambas (one appearance only) when it comes to tournament experience. Webetu Abate's men are therefore slight favourites for this game. "My team gains experience with every competition it plays in," Abate said. "Our ambition for this tournament is to qualify for the knockout stages. The team has progressed enormously over the past year, not just tactically and technically, but mentally too. Often, the psychological side of the game has let us down. But I can tell you that I have 26 Ethiopian champions ready to battle it out against Mozambique."
Kick-off is at 14:00 GMT at the Nelson Mandela stadium.
A DR Congo-Uganda derby to get Group B under way
Two-time CHAN winners (2009 and 2016), the Democratic Republic of Congo begin their Group B campaign with a derby at 16:00 GMT at the 19 May 1956 stadium in Annaba. The Leopards A' take on their Ugandan neighbours in a match that promises plenty.
With his side having recorded a convincing win over Libya (3-1) in a friendly last Saturday, Congo coach Otis Ngoma fired the first shots at a press conference. "We've only played two friendlies, but they allowed us to see all the players and to know who we can count on and what changes we can make during a match. So we'll try to make the most of that tomorrow. We have every chance, just like the others. It's a derby, for those who don't know: these are two neighbouring countries, with a lot of similarities in terms of history and diplomatic relations. So we are going to play for the Congolese people", he reminded everyone.
Senegal-Ivory Coast, a clash of the outsiders
Having missed the last four editions, Senegal are finally back at a CHAN finals. And on their return to the competition, the home-based Lions must face their Ivorian counterparts. Both sides are too inconsistent in the tournament to be ranked among the favourites, but they still have plenty of potential to go on and win it.
For this eye-catching fixture, Souhaliho Haidara, coach of the home-based Elephants, will be able to count on Paĉome Zouzoua. The Asec Mimosas midfielder has been in great form since the start of the season. He has scored 6 goals in the Ivorian Ligue 1 and 3 goals in 6 games in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup. As for Senegal, there is no need to look far to find the key to a successful tournament. They only have to take inspiration from Sadio Mané's group, winners of the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon.
Kick-off is at 19:00 GMT.
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