Latest news with #TotalEnergiesCAFAfricanNationsChampionship
CAF
14 hours ago
- Sport
- CAF
Three days to go: 'We're ready to fight for our people' - Burkina Faso coach Balboné
Burkina Faso is determined to make a mark at the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, which kicks off on Saturday, 2 August in Tanzania, one of the three host nations along with Kenya and Uganda. The West African nation will have the honour of playing the opening match of the competition, squaring off against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in what promises to be a high-octane clash. Drawn in Group B alongside the Central African Republic, Mauritania, Madagascar, and Tanzania, the Stallions will look to improve on their past performances in the competition. Led by head coach Issa Balboné, who took over the reins in April 2024, the team recently concluded a vital pre-tournament training camp in Morocco. Despite being one of the consistent participants in CHAN history, Burkina Faso has never lifted the trophy. Balboné and his squad now have their sights set firmly on rewriting that history and making a deep run in this year's edition. In this interview with Balboné shares insights on his team's preparations, ambitions, and what this tournament means for him and his players. A few days before CHAN kicks off, how is Burkina Faso preparing for the competition? It's important to note that Burkina Faso qualified with difficulty. We're fully aware of our situation, but we're working tirelessly to proudly represent our nation in this competition. While CHAN is indeed a celebration of African football, it's still a competition in which we must prove our worth. What takeaways do you have from the training camp you just completed in Morocco? Are you satisfied, and which areas did you particularly focus on? Our primary goal in Morocco was to work on tactical aspects. I'm satisfied with the group. After losing our first friendly against Morocco, we bounced back a week later and won the second match. That was a very good sign, and it gives us confidence heading into the competition. So, would you say Burkina Faso is ready for the opening match on 2 August against Tanzania? We're already in competition mode; there's no turning back. As I said, we're ready to fight and to make the people of Burkina Faso proud. What are your ambitions for this tournament? Like every team present at CHAN, our aim is to go as far as possible. That's what we're working toward. The players are ready and motivated to achieve something special in this tournament. Despite strong performances in previous editions, Burkina Faso has never won CHAN. Have you identified the mistakes that prevented you from going all the way? I believe Burkina Faso was simply unlucky in past editions. Today, we're calling on our supporters to rally behind us and bless this team so we can finally achieve our objectives. You're in Group B with the Central African Republic, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Mauritania. Would you say it's an accessible group? What's your opinion of your opponents? No team at this CHAN is easy to beat. What I can say is that we've prepared well, we're confident, and the players are fully aware of the challenge that awaits them in Tanzania. Do you believe you have the squad you dreamed of for this competition? Yes, I believe we've made solid selections. These are Burkinabe players who are fully ready to give everything for their country. This year, CHAN is being held across three host nations. Do you think that changes anything about the competition? To me, the host countries are close to one another. It's not much different from previous editions. We've seen similar formats in the Africa Cup of Nations before. The only potential challenge might be the varying altitudes, but we're familiar with the region, and we're determined to push hard and meet our objectives. What mistakes must Burkina Faso avoid during this tournament? We must fight for every moment. We need to rely on ourselves and ensure we get out of the group stage before even thinking about the later rounds. What does CHAN mean to you and to the Burkina Faso national team? First and foremost, CHAN is a springboard for the players. For me personally, it's an incredible opportunity that I must seize to propel my coaching career forward.
CAF
14 hours ago
- Sport
- CAF
Algeria and Mauritania wrap up TotalEnergies CAF CHAN preparations with Blida draw
Published: Tuesday, 29 July 2025 Algeria and Mauritania concluded their final warm-up before departing for the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 with a spirited 2-2 draw on Tuesday night at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida. With just days to go before the continental tournament kicks off in East Africa, the two CHAN-bound sides used the friendly as a dress rehearsal, offering a glimpse into their readiness, tactical identity, and hunger for success. The draw — in front of a lively home crowd — offered both coaches valuable insight into their teams' preparedness. It was the last opportunity to fine-tune selections, test systems, and assess individual performances before heading east for the month-long championship co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. CHAN 2024 begins on Saturday, 2 August with hosts Tanzania taking on Burkina Faso in Dar es Salaam. Algeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are aiming to go one better this time around, while Mauritania hope to cause upsets in what will be their most ambitious continental outing yet. In Blida, Mauritania struck early through striker Ahmed Ahmed in the 5th minute, punishing a defensive lapse and announcing their intent to be aggressive from the start. But Algeria responded strongly — Mosalla Merbah equalised in the 21st minute after a flowing attacking move. Mauritania regained the lead before halftime with a composed finish by Sidi Tuda in the 38th minute, giving the West Africans a 2-1 lead heading into the break. Algeria came out pressing high in the second half, but were repeatedly denied by Mauritania's organised backline. The breakthrough came in stoppage time — Abderrahmane Meziane rifled home in the 90+1st minute to make it 2-2, much to the delight of the local supporters. For both teams, the result was less important than the performance — and coaches will be encouraged by the high intensity and individual quality on display. Algeria are drawn in Group C alongside host nation Uganda, South Africa, Guinea, and Niger. The Fennecs are under pressure to deliver after losing the CHAN 2023 final on home soil to Senegal. Mauritania will compete in Group B where they'll face Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, and the Central African Republic. The Mourabitounes will be eager to show that they're no longer outsiders and are capable of going deep into the competition. As the squads prepare to jet off to East Africa, both teams can take confidence from Tuesday's friendly, knowing that the real battle begins this weekend when the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 gets underway.
CAF
15 hours ago
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: Madagascar team profile
Madagascar, affectionately known as the Barea, returns to the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) with high expectations following their remarkable debut in 2022. Guided by the tactical expertise of Romuald Rakotondrabe, the Barea aim to build on their bronze medal achievement and take another step towards continental glory. With a blend of youthful talent and a fast, technical playing style, the Malagasy are ready to leave their mark once again on Africa's premier domestic-league player tournament. Factfile Nickname : The Barea : The Barea Participations : 2 (2022, 2024) : 2 (2022, 2024) Best Performance: Third place (2022) How They Qualified Madagascar secured their spot at CHAN 2024 with a confident display against Eswatini. A 2-0 home victory in the first leg set the tone, and despite a narrow 1-0 loss in the return leg, the Barea advanced on aggregate to book their place in East Africa. Players to Watch John Christiano Razafimanana (Forward, Ajesaia Fenohasina):The 23-year-old forward was instrumental in Madagascar's qualification campaign, scoring in the crucial first-leg victory over Eswatini. Known for his blistering speed, positional awareness, and clinical finishing, Razafimanana is a constant threat to opposing defenses. His tireless pressing and ability to capitalize on defensive lapses make him a key player in the Barea's attacking arsenal. Nina Razakanirina (Midfielder, Fosa Juniors): A midfield dynamo, Razakanirina is celebrated for his impeccable passing and ability to control the tempo of the game. His creativity and vision enable him to link defense and attack seamlessly, while his work rate ensures stability in the center of the pitch. Razakanirina will be pivotal in orchestrating Madagascar's dynamic play at CHAN 2024. Coach Romuald Rakotondrabe: Nicknamed "Rôro," Rakotondrabe is a master tactician whose philosophy emphasizes fluid, attacking football. He has transformed Madagascar into a cohesive unit capable of competing against Africa's best. His focus on technical precision, quick transitions, and offensive versatility has made the Barea a formidable force. Known for his adaptability, Rakotondrabe often employs a high-intensity pressing game that disrupts opponents' build-up play while maximizing his team's attacking opportunities. His tactical discipline and ability to nurture young talent have positioned him as one of the continent's emerging coaching minds. Under his guidance, Madagascar aims to surpass their third-place finish from 2022 and challenge for the ultimate prize.
CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: Zambia team profile
Nickname: Chipolopolo Total Appearances: Four (2009, 2016, 2018, 2020) Last Appearance: Cameroon 2020 Best Finish: 3rd (2009) Titles: 0 FIFA Ranking: 87 Coach: Avram Grant Captain: Kabaso Chongo Zambia have been regular features in the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), qualifying for the finals an impressive four times out of the previous seven editions. The Southern African nation has undoubtedly proven its ability and earned its rightful place as amongst the best teams in African football. Their last taste of continental success came at TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2012 when they became the second Southern African nation after South Africa (1996) to win the AFCON. Despite continental success eluding them in recent years, Chipolopolo have maintained their status in the Southern African region, winning seven regional COSAFA titles with the most recent being from 2023. How they qualified: Zambia qualified as a result of a walk-over following the pulling out of Mozambique. Know the coach: Avram Grant The experienced Israeli football manager will guide Zambia at the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), taking over from Wedson Nyirenda who led the team through qualification. The former Chelsea and Portsmouth boss is known for his calm demeanour and strategic mindset, Grant brings vast experience to the Zambian technical bench. His focus at CHAN will be to maximise the potential of local talent, aligning with the tournament's home-based player policy. Zambia will look to his global expertise to guide them through a challenging Group A that includes Kenya, Morocco, DR Congo and Angola. Marshalling the troops – Kabaso Chongo Marshalling the defense and the in-field troops will be Kabaso Chongo as the team captain. The former TP Mazembe centre back who is now in the books of Kabwe Warriors brings wealth of experience to Chipolopolo in their quest for their second continental title. Previous TotalEnergies CAF CHAN performance: The 2024 finals will mark Zambia's fifth appearance at continental showpiece, with their last appearance being in 2020. Their best performance came in the inaugural edition where they finished in the top three with a bronze medal following their 2-1 victory over Senegal. Following their third-place finish in 2009, Zambia have since advanced from the group stages in all their appearances (2016, 2018, 2020) but failed to advance further than the quarter-final. They will be hoping to change that record this year. Fan Zone: Did you know: Grant famously led Chelsea to the 2008 UEFA Champions League final. His coaching career spans several continents, including stints with the Ghana national team, whom he led to the 2015 AFCON final.
CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: Morocco team profile
Published: Tuesday, 29 July 2025 Morocco enters the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 looking to make history by becoming the first nation to win the tournament three times, having already claimed back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2020. Factfile Nickname: Atlas Lions Previous Appearances: 4 (2014, 2016, 2018, 2020) Best Finish: Champions (2018, 2020) CHAN Titles: 2 FIFA Ranking: 14 Head Coach: Tarik Sektioui Know Your Coach: Tarik Sektioui Former international Tarik Sektioui brings considerable experience to his role as head coach of the Atlas Lions. His playing career saw him don the colors of several European clubs, including FC Porto and AJ Auxerre, before transitioning into coaching where he has enjoyed success with various Moroccan clubs including FUS Rabat, RS Berkane, and AS FAR. His appointment marks a new chapter as Morocco seeks unprecedented success in the competition. Sektioui, who has previously managed Morocco's U19 and Olympic teams, faces the considerable challenge of maintaining the nation's dominance in the competition. His extensive experience with local football, having managed several top-tier Moroccan clubs and won both domestic and continental titles, positions him well for this task. How They Qualified The Atlas Lions qualified automatically for CHAN 2024 as the only representative so far from the North African Football Union zone. They enter the tournament sharing the record for most titles (2) with DR Congo, making their fifth appearance in the competition since their debut in South Africa 2014. Morocco at CHAN Morocco's journey in CHAN has been particularly impressive in recent years. After their first appearance in 2014, they participated in three consecutive tournaments (2016, 2018, and 2020), culminating in back-to-back victories in their last two appearances. Their absence from the 2022 edition has only heightened their determination to reclaim the trophy. Fun Fact: Morocco became the first host nation to win the CHAN tournament in 2018 and the first country to win back-to-back titles (2018, 2020) What to Expect The Atlas Lions will be eager to demonstrate why they are considered among the favorites for the title, as they aim to become the first nation to win three CHAN tournaments and establish themselves as the most successful team in the competition's history.
