Latest news with #CHAN
The Star
a day ago
- Sport
- The Star
Uganda to open CAF African Nations Championship campaign against Algeria
KAMPALA, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Co-host Uganda will open its TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign against Algeria on August 4 at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. The African Football body CAF released the schedule for the tournament on Friday. Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania will co-host the Championship from August 2 to 30. Tanzania will play the opening match against Burkina Faso on August 2 in Dar es Salaam. Uganda is placed in Group C alongside Algeria, Niger, Guinea and South Africa. The CHAN tournament is played between players who play their trade in the local leagues in their respective countries. The Championship that will attract 19 teams was originally meant to take place last year, but was rescheduled to 2025. Uganda Cranes who will be under coaches Fred Muhumuza and Morley Byekwaso will play its second match against Guinea on August 8, and then battle Niger three days later. The Uganda Cranes will conclude group matches against South Africa in what is expected to be an explosive encounter.
CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
Uganda turn to Byekwaso-Muhumuza coaching duo for CHAN 2024 mission
Published: Friday, 27 June 2025 Fred Muhumuza and Morley Byekwaso have been appointed to jointly lead Uganda's home-based national team at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), the Uganda Football Federation (FUFA) has announced. The coaching duo will take charge of the Uganda Cranes squad set to compete in the tournament from 2–30 August 2025, which will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania under the 'Pamoja East Africa' initiative. Their appointment marks a significant show of confidence in local coaching talent, with FUFA opting for continuity and chemistry by reuniting the pair who briefly oversaw the Cranes during international friendlies against Mali and Zambia in October 2023. Morley Byekwaso, a respected figure in Ugandan football, brings a strong track record of nurturing youth. He guided Uganda to the final of the 2021 Africa U20 Cup of Nations and led the team to silver at the 2024 African Games. Muhumuza, meanwhile, is a long-serving technical figure in the domestic game, known for his tactical awareness and deep understanding of local players. The duo will operate under the overall strategic direction of senior head coach Paul Put, who retains overarching responsibility for Uganda's technical vision at CHAN. FUFA has indicated that the full backroom staff and the final player list will be confirmed in the coming weeks. This appointment signals FUFA's faith in a collaborative approach and builds on the country's drive to promote homegrown coaches on the continental stage. Hosting part of the tournament on home soil gives Uganda a rare opportunity to combine tactical ambition with the power of home support — and FUFA is hoping this experienced local partnership can help deliver. CHAN 2024 is reserved exclusively for players competing in their domestic leagues. Uganda, with its strong local base and growing technical leadership, will aim to make a deep run in front of home fans. The announcement comes at a time when East Africa is in the spotlight, with the CHAN tournament serving as a dress rehearsal for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will also be co-hosted by the region. FUFA says the Cranes' preparations will intensify in the coming weeks, with local training camps and friendly matches expected to help shape a competitive squad.
CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
Ngatsono returns to helm as Congo names new coaching staff for CHAN
Published: Friday, 27 June 2025 Barthélémy Ngatsono has been named head coach of Congo's A' national team as the country prepares for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), in a major technical overhaul by the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT). Ngatsono's appointment marks a return to national duty for the seasoned tactician, who previously led the senior Red Devils and now steps into a pivotal role as Congo eye their fifth appearance at the CHAN finals. He will be supported by assistant coach Cédric Nanitelamio, both of whom recently earned CAF A coaching licenses, aligning Congo's ambitions with continental standards. The decision by FECOFOOT to completely revamp the coaching structure—retaining only physical trainer Éric Moukouyou from the previous setup—underscores a desire to reset and re-energize the team's prospects ahead of the tournament in East Africa this August. The 2024 CHAN will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from 2–30 August under the 'Pamoja East Africa' initiative. Congo has been drawn into Group D, widely considered the competition's 'group of death,' featuring reigning champions Senegal, West African giants Nigeria, and Sudan. Despite the former technical team having guided the Red Devils A' to qualification, FECOFOOT's leadership opted for experience and freshness, signaling a shift toward tactical discipline and renewed intensity. Ngatsono's knowledge of the local game and history with the national side are expected to provide much-needed direction and confidence. The appointment also comes at a time when African federations are placing increasing trust in homegrown coaching talents. With both Ngatsono and Nanitelamio products of CAF's elite licensing programme, Congo joins a growing list of nations backing local expertise to compete at the highest level of continental football. CHAN 2024 is exclusively reserved for players plying their trade in domestic leagues, offering a critical platform for unearthing hidden talent and strengthening national league development. For Congo, the pressure is on to progress from the group stages—a feat they've managed just once since their CHAN debut in 2014. With a revamped technical crew and seasoned leadership, Congo's Red Devils A' are aiming to not just participate, but to make a bold statement on the continental stage. Full Red Devils A' Technical Staff: Head Coach : Barthélémy Ngatsono Assistant Coach : Cédric Nanitelamio Physical Trainer : Éric Moukouyou Goalkeeping Coach : Narcisse Bakoua Team Doctor : Auguste Ndoki Physiotherapist : Kevin Yembangoye Steward : Aimé Bopiel Media Officer: Ruffin Louemba
CAF
2 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: Know your team
File Fact: Nickname: Bafana Bafana Total Appearances: Three (2011, 2014, 2025) Last Appearance: Algeria 2022 (Did not qualify) Titles: 0 FIFA Ranking: 56 Coach: Molefe Ntseki Captain: Neo Maema South Africa Eye First Knockout Spot At TotalEnergies CHAN Having qualified for the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) for only the fourth time, South Africa will be hoping to finally break their group-stage curse and go deeper into the tournament. Bafana Bafana's CHAN journey has been a mixed one. Their best performance came in 2014 on home soil when they made it out of the group stages but were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Nigeria. Since then, they've struggled to make a meaningful impact, with disappointing campaigns in 2016 and failure to qualify in 2018 and 2022. This year, South Africa return with renewed intent and a squad selected from the country's domestic-based players, giving a platform for local talent to shine on the continental stage. Despite hosting the tournament in 2014, they've never reached the semi-final stage. This year presents a big opportunity to rewrite that history. What To Expect: There is cautious optimism around this Bafana Bafana team, which features domestic league standouts and emerging stars the lower division. With more technical depth and attacking flair than in previous editions, expectations are that Ntseki's side will aim to at least make the knockout phase. Fan Zone: Did you know? South Africa's only senior continental title came at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 1996 on home soil. Since then, the country has been chasing another major trophy at senior level. While CHAN is not contested with overseas-based players, it remains a prestigious platform, especially for homegrown talent seeking to break into the senior Bafana Bafana squad for future TotalEnergies CAF AFCON or World Cup campaigns. How They Qualified: South Africa sealed their spot at the finals after a dominant 2-1 aggregate win over Malawi in the final qualification round. Under the guidance of coach Molefi, the squad impressed over both legs with attacking intent and solid defensive shape. Key Player To Watch: Neo Maema The Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder is a visionary player who is renowned for both creating and finishing off scoring chances. His influence was vital as Bafana Bafana managed to qualify for the next edition of the CHAN. Know The Coach: Know The Coach: Molefi Ntseki Molefi Ntseki returns to the national team fold with the responsibility of guiding Bafana Bafana's CHAN squad. The 54-year-old previously served as head coach of the senior national team from 2019 to 2021, having also worked extensively within SAFA's youth structures, including the U17 and U20 teams. Known for his tactical discipline and deep knowledge of domestic football, Ntseki is seen as a coach who can get the best out of locally-based players. His focus on structured build-up play and defensive organisation will be key in South Africa's quest to make it past the group stage for just the second time in TotalEnergies CAF CHAN history. Past CHAN Performances: 2011 (Sudan): Group Stage Exit Group Stage Exit 2013 (South Africa): Quarter-final (Lost to Nigeria) Quarter-final (Lost to Nigeria) 2016 (Rwanda): Did Not Qualify Did Not Qualify 2019 (Morocco) Did not qualify Did not qualify 2022 (Algeria): Did not qualify
CAF
3 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
CAR begin historic CHAN journey with 30-man provisional squad
The Central African Republic (CAR) have named a 30-man provisional squad and launched intensive preparations for their historic debut at the TotalEnergies 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), marking a new chapter in the country's footballing story. Led by coach Eloge Enza, the Fauves de Bas-Oubangui are undergoing rigorous daily training sessions at the Barthelemy Boganda Stadium in Bangui, with a double session scheduled every day. The squad is made up entirely of locally based players – a key requirement of the CHAN tournament. In a passionate address at the dawn of training, Central African Football Federation (FCF) President Célestin Yanindji called on the team to carry the pride of the nation. 'This is not just football. It is an extraordinary adventure to represent your country,' he declared, rallying the players to fight for the flag and write their names into the annals of African football. 'Behind every dribble, pass, and goal are thousands of supporters who believe in you. Stay focused. Stay united. Victory is our mission,' Yanindji said. The 2024 CHAN, scheduled for August 2025 across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, is Africa's premier competition for players active in their domestic leagues. For the Central African Republic, this marks their first appearance in the competition, a landmark moment. Drawn into Group B, the RCA will face formidable opposition including hosts Tanzania, as well as Madagascar, Mauritania, and Burkina Faso – all CHAN veterans with significant tournament experience. Preparation for the squad will be in two phases: three weeks of home training in Bangui followed by two weeks abroad, including three international friendly matches yet to be officially announced. The goal is not only to fine-tune tactics and fitness but also to build mental toughness and cohesion in a team mostly untested at this level. Coach Enza, a respected figure in Central African football, has placed strong emphasis on physical conditioning, tactical discipline, and unity. The inclusion of exciting young talents like striker Nze Ronaldo and midfielder Galabazi Angelo underlines the balance between raw potential and experience in the squad. With the nation rallying behind them, the players are not only chasing CHAN qualification glory – they are carrying the dreams of a football-loving people desperate for continental recognition. The road to August will be long and demanding, but for the Central African Republic, the CHAN is more than a competition. It is a symbol of progress, pride, and a rare opportunity to inspire hope through the beautiful game. Full Provisional Squad – Central African Republic (CHAN 2024) Goalkeepers:Abimala MaurilleAmalimoto BonargesNgarssouma Saturnin Ganazou Thibaut Fulgence Defenders:Nangbema BenjaminSouango MichaelBasset CherubinTongba IsmaëlYangao MichaelBeito RufusKokpapa CyrilleKaimba Stéphane Miambaye Fourdeau Midfielders:Yangana ArnoldNdokomandji MelkiMonguide GhislainGalabazi AngeloGuesset DonaldTchibinda SidneyGbenou Boris Guiakoue Saul Forwards:Kaya Loïc TonnerFayanga YanKogbeto DimitriZoumarra Ange ElyséeGuindjipou VianneyMokonou DelphinNze Ronaldo Momi Hilaire
