Groups

Group A: Rwanda, Cote d’Ivoire, Morocco, Gabon.Group B: DRC, Ethiopia, Cameroon, AngolaGroup C: Tunisia, Guinea, Niger, NigeriaGroup D: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Mali

Hosts Rwanda has been drawn in the group of death for the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) finals tournament scheduled for January 16 through February 7.

The Amavubi stars, who didn’t have to go through the rigors of qualifying courtesy of being hosts, are in Group A along with Cote d’Ivoire, Morocco and Gabon.

This group will be based at Amahoro National Stadium. Johnny McKinstry’s team will open their campaign against Cote d’Ivoire in the opening match.

The CHAN trophy was handed to President Paul Kagame by CAF vice president Almamy Kabele Camara after the draws ceremony held at Kigali Serena Hotel yesterday evening.

Group B, which will be based in Huye, comprise of DRC, Ethiopia, Cameroon and Angola, while Tunisia, Guinea, Niger and Nigeria are in Group C and will be based at Kigali Regional Stadium. Group D, which will play in Rubavu, has Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda and Mali. Rwanda is the fourth country to host Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) after Cote d’Ivoire in 2009, Sudan in 2011 and South Africa 2014.

The biennial tournament is designed exclusively for players who feature in their domestic leagues. The Democratic Republic of Congo won the first edition, while Tunisia took the second and last year’s edition was won by Libya, who won’t defend it after failing to qualify.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw