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CHAN 2016 Group Stage Round-Up: Nigeria Looking Strong

CHAN 2016 Group Stage Round-Up: Nigeria Looking Strong

With the first round of CHAN 2016 Group Stage matches completed at this year’s African Nations Championship in Rwanda, the 16 teams that are taking part have all had a taste of the action thus far.

The CHAN is the equivalent of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) but is only played by those who are based within Africa as opposed to the regular national teams who in many cases have players based in leagues throughout Europe and the rest of the world.

Below is a round-up of the results:

Mali 2-2 Uganda

A 2-2 draw between Mali and Uganda thoroughly entertained the crowds assembled to watch the encounter, as the Cecafa champions began their Group D adventure by sharing the spoils with the Malians. Defender Joseph Ochaya opened the scoring for Uganda with a header, but Sedou Keita levelled matters with a powerful left foot strike. Uganda would retake the lead in the 40th minute with a converted penalty from Farouk Miya, but eventually the Mali national team had the final say as striker Hamidou Sinayoko scored on 60 minutes, and it remained a draw.

Zimbabwe 0-1 Zambia

A determined Zambia emerged from their Group D match up against Zimbabwe as winners after Isaac Chansa secured the three points and top spot in the standings with his goal in Rubavu. His strike came in the 57th minute, with the stalemate in the match between Mali and Uganda allowing the Chipolopolo to go top.

Nigeria 4-1 Niger

The Nigerians put in a dominant display against the team from Niger, tearing them apart with a 4-1 scoreline while ensuring the top spot in Group C. Osas Okoro scored early in the second half to get the ball rolling, before an inspired Chisom Chikatara scored a stunning hat-trick to give Sunday Oliseh’s men the win. A consolation goal from Victorien Adebayor gave Niger something to be pleased about.

Tunisia 2-2 Guinea

Tunisia and Guinea shared the spoils in their opening encounter of Group C, with two players standing out with a brace for their sides. Ahmed Akaichi was on target twice for the North Africans, while Alseny Camara ensured a point for his side with two goals.

Angola 0-1 Cameroon

A ten-man Cameroon side managed to snatch a 1-0 victory over their Angolan opponents earlier in the week, as a well-placed first half free kick from Yazid Emane Atouba earned his team the win. Cameroon join Congo DR at the top of Group B.

Congo DR 3-0 Ethiopia

The Democratic Republic of Congo put in a dominant display to secure victory over Ethiopia by three goals to nil. Strikes from Guy Lusadisu, Heritier Luvumbu and Elia Meshack made all the difference for the Congolese.

Gabon 0-0 Morocco

A goalless stalemate between the Atlas Lions of Morocco and the Panthers of Gabon mean that both sides earned a single point from the match. Rwanda tops their group, and they will both need to produce results in their remaining games against the hosts and Cote D’Ivoire.

Rwanda 1-0 Cote D’Ivoire

Hosts of the 2016 CHAN Rwanda surprised Cote D’Ivoire and managed a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Emery Bayisenge in Kigali. The win ensures that Rwanda top Group A ahead of Morocco, Gabon and the Ivorians.