Group D is normally termed as the group of death. It certainly is also the case at the 2016 Rwanda African Nations Championship.

The Umuganda stadium will host running battles among four possible contenders to the Chan title in the name of Zimbabwe, Mali, Uganda and Zambia.

ZIMBABWE

The Warriors have never won any continental trophy but they come into the CHAN tournament as one of the favourites to get out of group D and make it past the knockout stages. Zimbabwe have made two appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations their best result was not so good on both occasions failing to make it past the group stages in 2004 Tunisia and 2006 in Egypt. History suggests that Zimbabwe will be hard to contend with in the CHAN as the have proved so often making appearances at all the last 3 editions. This is their fourth appearance and they will hope to leave Rwanda with some form of silverware. However, their best result was a second round finish in 2014. The Warriors will be hoping to get past the quarterfinal stage and claim their first African title.

MALI

Mali is a certain contender and outright favourite to make it past the group stages. The Malians have made 8 appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations with their best finish coming in 1972 when Cameroon hosted the competition. The Eagles of Mali have a strong youth development agenda and their second place finish at recent FIFA under 17 World Cup in Chile is evident enough of their pedigree to Challenge for the CHAN title. They will be making their third appearance at the Chan in Rwanda.

UGANDA

Uganda is probably the most inform team in this group and they will be hoping to cause a few upsets at the tournament. The cranes have played five times in the Africa Cup of Nations their best result coming in 1978 when the runners up to host country Ghana. The Ugandans are playing in what is their third CHAN tournament.

ZAMBIA

The Chipolopolo have certainly what it takes to be named among the favourites for the CHAN title. They carry a heavy CV when it comes to CAF competitions. The Zambians have made 16 appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations winning it once in 2012 in that historic final against the Ivory Coast in the Libreville, Gabon. The Chipolopolo have won the COSFA Cup four times in 1997, 1998, 2006 and 2013. They have also bagged the CECAFA twice in 1984 and 1991. They are playing in their second CHAN tournament in Rwanda, their first coming in Ivory Coast 2009 when they came out third.

Can the Zambian’s win another African title or will they be the pretenders this time again?

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer