Sudan poised to host memorable CHAN tournament

February 04, 2011
Khartoum, Sudan, Feb. 4, GNA - The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Sudan 2011 African Nations Championship (CHAN) has set sights on hosting a tournament that will last in the minds of all.

Africa's largest country might not seem the best place to host the second edition of the tournament designed exclusively for footballers playing in their country of birth, with its synonymy with media reports of political instability amongst others.

However, Dr Moaatesem Gaafar, President of the Sudan Football Association (SFA) and a member of the LOC told GNA Sports in Khartoum on Saturday that the expected success story will serve the meal for a revised thought about the country.

Sudan who last hosted a continental football championship in 1970 (Africa Cup of Nations) emerged the winners, and the decision to stage the CHAN forms part of the planning and development of the country.

The 2011 CHAN comes with a lot of challenges in terms of infrastructure and organizational demands with an increase in the number of participants from eight to 16, but Dr Gaafar has allayed all fears saying they will meet the mark.

"It's been long since we hosted a major football and I believe this tournament will be the beginning of hosting more important football events in the near future.

"We also renovated and improved facilities at the Al-Hilal, Al-Mariekh and Port-Sudan Stadia for the tournament."

The tournament has led to series of development in the various sectors of the Sudanese economy ranging from accommodation, transportation, communication and amongst others.

Upon on arrival at the Khartoum International Airport, one will be received by the help desk just at the entry point for the processing of visas. For accredited media, the visa is processed at no cost and lasts not more than five minutes.

A stroll through the capital will reveal such modifications with accommodation readily available at plush hotels such as Burj Al Fateh on the Nile Road, Regency Hotel, Hilton and Holiday Villa.

The logo and mascot of the tournament reflects on huge billboards along the street, at supermarkets, hotels, restaurants and local food joints confirming the huge enthusiasm in the tournament.

The tournament that runs rill February 25 has the DR Congo as the defending champions.

GNA