The third Orange CAF African Nations Championship gets underway in Cape Town today Saturday 11th January with hosts South Africa taking on neighbours Mozambique in the opening match at Greenpoint Stadium. Mali and Nigeria will play the second of the double-header games to complete round 1 matches of Group A .
In the city of Mangaung, where Ghana, Libya, Congo Brazzaville and Ethiopia will battle for top two places in Group C, the atmosphere ahead of the opening match is charged with high expectancy for Bafana Bafana and the tournament in general. Cafonline.com took to the streets to find out from the locals about the tournament. “We might be a people who start off slowly in terms buying tickets and showing support for the competition, but now that the beginning of CHAN is here, I know South Africa will rally behind this competition and we will make it a success” said Tshego Matlata who was proudly displaying her tickets for Mangaung games
Johan Fourie said, “I must admit l wasn’t aware of this big tournament on my door step but driving in town today l saw these posters and soon found out we have some good teams playing here in Bloemfontein so l am off to see what matches l can buy tickets for. I hope Bafana will do well” Lerato Lekhanya said she was excited to have Ethiopia coming to Mangaung, “ Hey l saw the number of fans they brought to games during AFCON last year and they were colourful and really made beautiful at the stadium, so l am looking forward to seeing the same at Free State Stadium”
Piet Os du Randt said he had been busy with installations at the stadium which he admitted is looking good. “It’s all shaping up well at the ground and we are ready for this tournament. Free State Stadium will be ready for Monday ‘s games and let’s hope the fans turn up”
Meanwhile Ghana’s Black Stars arrived in Mangaung and checked into their hotel on Thursday 10th January, Coach Maxwell Konadu was quick to point out that the Black Stars are keen on mounting a serious challenge and have brought a competitive side to South Africa, “Our Preparations have gone well so far and in both Namibia and lately in Johannesburg and l am pleased with what l saw in the boys, who are ready to go far in this competition. We certainly want to improve on our last performance at CHAN 2011 in Sudan ” While in Namibia, Ghana edged the former 1-0 in a friendly match before The Black Stars trained at Mamelodi Sundown’s Chloorkop facilities and managed to beat the a side put together by Mamelodi 3-0 in preparation game.
Ghana open their account against Congo Brazzaville on Monday at the Free State Stadium, Mangaung.
Confederation of African Football News
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