CHAN 2014 Preview: Group C
The Black Stars will be returning to the CHAN tournament, after competing in all of the previous versions. Having exited the group stage in the last edition, they will be looking to go one better than in 2009, when they placed 2nd in the competition.
They qualified for the competition without kicking a ball, after opponents Benin withdrew from their two-legged qualifier. They will therefore have to be on guard to ensure a safe passage to the next round.
The local Black Stars have been camping in Namibia, and beat the home side in a friendly ahead of their opening game. Coach Maxwell Konadu has expressed his worries about the team's ability to keep possession of the ball, but will be hoping they resolve the issue.
The team is a fairly balanced one in terms of club participation, with league leaders Kumasi Asante Kotoko contributing 7 players.
Ghana squad:
Goalkeepers : Stephen Adams (Aduana Stars) Foli Adade (Medeama) Isaac Amoako (Asante Kotoko)
Defenders : Godfred Saka (Aduana Stars), Tijani Joshua (AshantiGold) Francis Morton (Ebusua Dwarfs) Kwabena Adusei and Abeiku Ainooson (Asante Kotoko) Nuru Sulley (Hearts of Oak) Alfred Nelson (Liberty Professionals)
Midfielders : Michael Akuffo, Jordan Opoku, Richard Mpong and Yahaya Mohammed (Asante Kotoko) Jackson Owusu (Berekum Chelsea) Theophilus Anobaah (Medeama) Aseidu Attorbrah (New Edubiase) Latif Mohammed (AshantiGold)
Strikers : Sulley Mohammed (King Faisal) Kennedy Boateng (Medeama) Paul De-Vries Asare (Wa All Stars) Samuel Afful (Hasaacas) Seidu Bancey (Asante Kotoko)
Congo
The “Red Devils”, as they are affectionately called will be taking part in the CHAN for the very first time. They come into the tournament led by coach Kamel Djabour, and will be huge underdogs.
En route to the tournament, they beat Central African Republic by three goals to nil in the first round, and then overcame DR Congo 2-2 on aggregate.
The senior national team narrowly missed out on a last round place in the World Cup qualifiers, and the CHAN presents an opportunity for the local team to put Congo firmly on the African football map.
Congo squad
Goalkeepers : Chancel Massa, Gildas Kiwoko Mouyabi, Pavelh Ndzila
Defenders : Stanislas Dua Ankira, Kevine Andzouana, Djodjo Miangounina, Hermann Nkodia, Dimitri Magnoleke Bissiki, Boris Moubhibo Ngonga, Ulrich Nzamba Mombo
Midfielders : Herman Lakolo, Cesaire Gandze, Chardin Madila, Moise Nkounkou, Hardy Binguila
Forwards : Junior Makiesse, Sylver Gavoula, Glen Kinfounia, Bersyl Obassi, Rudy Ndey, Lorry Nkolo, Delvi Ngoyi, Kader Bidimbou
Ethiopia
Ethiopia, like a number of other nations will be making their debut appearance at the tournament.
The Walya Antelopes head into the tournament as favorites after an impressive 2013 saw them amke a return to the AFCON and push Nigeria in the final World Cup play offs.
Perennial champions St George dominate the squad with eight players including skipper Degu Debebe.
Ethiopia will face Ghana on 21st January in the final Group C match after playing Libya and Congo.
Ethiopia Squad:
Goalkeepers: Jemal Tasew; Dereje Alemu; Tariku Getenet
Defenders : Abebaw Butako; Tok James; Salahadin Bergecho; Seyoum Tesfaye; Alula Girma; Degu Debebe; Aynalem Hailu; Birhanu Bogale; Beyadeglegn Elyas
Midfielders : Asrat Megersa; Fasika Asfaw; Shemeket Gugsa; Ephrem Ashamo; Menyahel Teshome; Adane Girma; Mentesenot Adane; Tadele Mengesha
Forwards : Omed Ukri; Manaye Fantu; Dawit Fikadu
Libya
Libya return to the African Championships after taking part in the maiden edition in 2009.
They sealed qualification to the tournament after Algeria withdrew on the premise that they could not field a formidable team.
The Libyans would have to improve on their performance in 2009 when they finished bottom of their group with 2 points from 3 games.
Ahead of the tournament, the team camped in Tunisia for 10 days, where they played a friendly match with Niger which ended 1-1.
New head coach Javier Clemente will be looking to make a good impression, following Libya's disappointing exit from the FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifiers in September.
Squad list: N/A
Prediction : 1. Ghana 2. Ethiopia 3. Congo 4. Libya