CHAN 2018: Ivory Coast stunned as hosts Morocco shine in CHAN opener

The Championship of African Nations (CHAN) tournament kicked off on Saturday January 13 in Morocco with an exciting encounter between the hosts and tournament favorites Morocco taking on their neighbours Mauritania.

Group A (Casablanca)

Morocco
Guinea
Sudan
Mauritania

Morocco proved to be too good and put four past Mauritania.

The other group game saw Sudan beat Guniea by two goals to one, leaving the standings with Morocco at the top with a superior goal difference of 4 and Mauritania at the bottom with no goals and no points.

Morocco 4 Mauritania 0

Goal scorers

Morocco: El Kaabi (66, 88), El Haddad (72), Bencharki (90+2)

Sudan 2 Guinea 1

Goal scorers

Sudan: Koko (19), Bakhit (75)

Guinea:Sekou (55)

Group B (Marrakech)

Cote d’Ivoire
Zambia
Uganda
Namibia

On Sunday, Ivory Coast, who are perennial favorites at African football tournaments were stunned by CHAN newcomers Namibia with a late winner.

The other Group B was contested by Uganda Cranes and Zambia’s Chipolopolo and after ninety minutes of normal playing time, Zambia edged out the Ugandans by two goals to one.

Ivory Coast 0 Namibia 1

Goal scorers

Namibia: Hambira (90+3)

Uganda 1 Zambia 3

Goal scorers

Uganda: Nsibambi (40)

Zambia: Kambole (38), Mulenga (63), Ochan (72 csc)

Group C (Tangier)

Libya
Nigeria
Rwanda
Equatorial Guinea

Tonight, Group C will be in action with Libya taking on Equatorial Guinea at the Grande Stage de Tanger stadium while Rwanda will take on African football giants Nigeria.

The CHAN is a version of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) but one that is reserved for players who ply their trade in Africa.

This is the fifth edition of the tournament. It was originally supposed to be held in Kenya but lack of preparations forced the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to transfer the rights to Morocco.

Sixteen teams are participating in this year’s tournament.