By Ahmed Mustafa
In Algiers, Algeria
TThe TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2022 finally kicks off tonight with hosts Algeria battling Libya in Group A match at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers.
The tournament featuring only players who play in their respective home Leagues will run from January 13th to February 4th.
After winning the FIFA Arab Cup in December 2021 in Qatar, the Desert Foxes will hope that they can start the year in style and win yet another title on home soil. is is yet another title that they can
Madjid Bougherra, the Algerian coach says they are determined to make a good start in the tournament infront of their home fans.
“Test matches should not be compared with competitive matches. There are several factors that come into play for example, we have been preparing for this competition for a year and a half, for a while we played without fans,” added the coach who however says home support will play a pivotal role.
But the Libyan coach Corentin Martins who has a lot of experience says that although it is always tough facing a host team, his team are well prepared. “We know the Algerian style of play and we know what to expect,” added the coach.
Martins who handled the Mauritania national team for seven years says that small details in the match will count. “We know Algeria is a strong team, but we have what it takes to handle them,” added the former French International.
Although Algeria have never lifted the CHAN trophy, the Mediterranean Knights were champions in 2014 when the tournament was hosted in Cape Town, South Africa. DR Congo and Morocco have also won the trophy twice, while Tunisia lifted it in 2011.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino who arrived in Algeria on Thursday together with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) President are expected to grace the opening match.
On Saturday three matches will be on card as Ethiopia face Mozambique in a Group A match, while Uganda Cranes battle DR Congo and Cote d’Ivoire face Senegal in Group B ties.
