Group C fixtures Jan.18 Rwanda Vs Uganda Jan.22 Rwanda Vs Morocco Jan.26 Rwanda Vs Togo There are just eight days left until the African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals tournament kicks off in Cameroon, on January 16. The 2021 competition will be the 6th edition of the biennial showpiece organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), exclusively for players who feature in their domestic leagues. For the fourth time – and third in a row, Rwanda will be part of Africa’s second-biggest football competition and will be rubbing shoulders against some of the most respected footballing nations on the continent. The national team, Amavubi, have been drawn Group C alongside holders Morocco, regional rivals Uganda and debutants Togo. In this issue, Weekend Sport looks at the opposition that awaits Rwanda in Cameroon and what you should know about each of the teams that make Group C. Morocco: The favourites, at least on paper The North African giants are widely seen as favourites to top the group. Also known as the Atlas Lions, Morocco go into the tournament not only as Pool C favourites but also one of the main challengers for the title having won the 2018 edition at home. The team has since lost a number of key names that assisted them in their quest for the 2018 trophy such as winger Ismail El Haddad who moved to Qatar-based Al-Khor Sports Club and Achraf Bencharki – currently playing for Egyptian side Zamalek. However, this may not render Morocco weak as players like Wydad Casablanca’s prolific forward Ayoub El Kaabi and winger Zouhair El Moutaraji, among other notable dangers to watch out for, are still with the team. In fact, the threat posed by Morocco can be linked to their formidable local league, with clubs that are always very competitive on the continent. For example, in last season’s continental club football, Moroccan side RS Berkane were winners of the CAF Confederation Cup; while Wydad Athletic Club reached semi-finals of the CAF Champions League. With the top players from such clubs, it is evident that Morocco are a team not to count out among the best in the three-week competition. Togo: The surprise package? This will be the first appearance by the Togolese in the competition, which is restricted to footballers who play in their country of birth. Through its relatively young players like Ashraf Agoro, Marouf Tchakei, and Richard Nane, the team shocked West African giants Nigeria, overcoming them 4-3 on aggregate to book a ticket into CHAN finals. Not so much is known about Togo’s local players, but Amavubi should expect a good physical challenge from Togo, since West African teams are typical of this quality. In addition, being able to shock Nigeria in the qualification campaign should give teams in Group C food for thought about what these newcomers are capable of. When Vincent Mashami’s Amavubi face Togo in their final group fixture on January 26, the boys will have to put up their best performance for maximum points. Uganda: A blend of youngsters and experience Uganda booked their ticket to the 2021 CHAN finals with a punishing 6-0 victory over Burundi in two-legged qualifier. Key players in that qualifying team like Fahad Bayo and Allan Okello have since left for clubs in foreign countries; but the team still has a big pool of talents to bridge the gap. Head coach Jonathan McKinstry has summoned experienced players like Tony Mawejje, a midfielder who previously played for European clubs, and Milton Kalisa who had a stint in Morocco with MC Oudja. The two are joined by a crop of youngsters like Bobosi Byaruhanga – a midfield gem who inspired Uganda to the Cecafa U-20 Cup title in Tanzania last December, Karim Watambala another young midfielder who featured for the senior Uganda Cranes during their AFCON qualifier against South Sudan last November, as well as Steven Mukwala – a prolific goal scorer featuring for Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) football club. The derby between Rwanda and Uganda will be one of the matches to watch in Cameroon. Rwanda: Blessed with the return of experienced players After missing the 2018 CHAN as they played outside Rwanda at the time, forward Jacques Tuyisenge and centre-back Emery Bayisenge have since returned in the Rwanda Premier League, and this might turn out to be a huge boost for Mashami’s team. Tuyisenge and Bayisenge, who were instrumental as Rwanda reached the quarter-finals of the competition’s 2016 edition, bring much-needed experience to the squad; with Tuyisenge up-front in search for goals and Bayisenge at the back keeping the defence together. Also part of the team are goalkeeper Olivier Kwizera and forward Muhadjiri Hakizimana, who returned to domestic league late 2019 and mid-2020, respectively. Rwanda secured her CHAN ticket after edging out Ethiopia 2-1 on aggregate, thanks to two important goals from striker Ernest Sugira. Amavubi will be competing in CHAN for a fourth time overall and third in a row since hosting the 2016 edition where Rwanda was knocked out by eventual winners DR Congo in the last eight.
