By Keke Roy,

The African Nations Championship, commonly known as CHAN, is arguably the second most important tourney in Africa after the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The CHAN Championships offer a platform to the local-based African players plying trade in their native nations.

This year’s edition is hosted in Rwanda and features 16-nation teams.

It is evident that Africa is blessed with great talents that if given the same resources and exposure like other regions, then World Cup cannot be a hard nut to crush.

Some may argue that mismanagement and poor facilities may have drained the talent hubs in Africa, reducing the expected potential to excel in International tourneys.

However, here is the low down of some of the matches that shaped the road to the quarter final battles.

Group A: Rwanda V Côte D’Ivoire

Opening group matches are always tricky in tournaments, especially against the host team buoyed by the jubilant home fans present in the stadium.

Although Ivory Coast dominated the game, the West African side did not find it easy to beat Rwanda in this tensed match that produced a slim score line of 1 nil in favor of the host.

The 17th minute Emery Bayisenge goal was enough to give Rwanda a commanding position in the group.

The next match between Morocco and Gabon was an indication that the group was now an open affair between all the teams.

Group A: Rwanda v Morocco

Although Rwanda had already qualified and Morocco still clutching at the straw for a miracle to happen between Ivory Coast and Gabon, the match was electrifying.

As Morocco was scoring goals against the hosts, the Elephants were responding with equal force on the other side against Gabon.

The North African country wanted to have a decent bow by silencing the home fans, a fete that they achieved, despite packing their belongings back home!

The Rwandese side could not maintain the high tempo set by the Atlas Lions, succumbing to a humiliating defeat of 4-1 in front of their president.

Group B: DR Congo V Cameroun

Having secured a slim win against Angola and a draw against the Ethiopians, the Indomitable Lions had no option but to increase dominance against the on-form DR Congo.

The Lingala boys were after good runs against Ethiopia and Angola where they registered a hundred per cent record, accumulating +5 goals in return.

The Lions were already scratched and their survival was preying on the Leopards, hoping that the Walias did not heavily beat Angola in the other corresponding match.

As a result, Cameroun beat DR Congo 3-1 to emerge the group leaders with DR Congo cruising as the runners-up after the electrifying last match encounter.

Group C: Nigeria V Tunisia

Nigeria stamped their authority on the first match, thanks to second half goals by the late substitute Chisom Chikatara who inspired the side to a 4-1 thumping of the hapless Menas.

Nigeria thought that they were poised for the ultimate prize, reducing their momentum in the second match against Tunisians.

This match proved the group’s decider since the winner would have one leg into the knockout stages.

However, the draw spelt doom as the real battle was to be felt on the last group matches in which the winners were sure of making it to the final eight.

The other teams had also played to a draw, meaning they had 2 points each with Nigeria on 4 points.

Group C: Nigeria V Guinea

This match was the final group game of the two teams.

A positive result for Nigeria, whether a draw or win, would guarantee them a place in the quarter finals. Guinea, Tunisia and Niger all hoped for a win.

Tunisia showed their intention in the first half against Niger beating them by 2goals in a match that ended in a 5-goal thriller in their favor.

Guineas, the surprise package, stunned the Super Eagles with a one nil win to advance as the runners-up. Nigerians were left chasing the game for the better part of the second half with no fruits to harvest.

Group D: Uganda V Zimbabwe

Zambia having sealed their top spot and a chance for the second round, Mali were determined to register a positive result of either a draw or a win.

The cracker was between Uganda and Zimbabwe, as the Ssebos wanted a win to stand a chance of progressing if Zambia beat Mali.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe was hoping for their famous win at the tourney, having suffered defeats in the first two matches.

As fate would have it, Zimbabwe stole the show by forcing Uganda to a draw, scoring the first goal.

A draw between Mali and Zambia had technically eliminated the Cranes from the race and nothing could rescue them apart from boarding the nearest plane to Kampala.

Watch out for the Quarter Finals as the battle swords have been drawn. May the Best teams Win…

Rwanda V DR Congo at Amahoro, Kigali
Cameroon V Ivory Coast at Stade Huye
Tunisia V Mali at Stade de Kigali
Zambia V Guinea at Rubavu

The writer is just a local football enthusiast who claims to know something, but knows nothing. He is here to share and learn something.

Twitter: @IAmKekeRoy

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com