Former AFC Leopards coach on why CECAFA region cannot win 2025 CHAN title

Former AFC Leopards coach on why CECAFA region cannot win 2025 CHAN title

Evans Ousuru 07:45 - 17.10.2024

The much-awaited tournament brings together players from domestic leagues.

The eighth edition of the biennial continental championship will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania between February 1-28, 2025. The much-awaited tournament brings together players from domestic leagues.

The Rwandese said the West African nations are better placed to win the coveted trophy because of the proven track record in terms of talent nurturing and a clear spelt-out strategy regarding development of junior players.

The former Bandari tactician also observed that West and North African leagues are stronger compared to the ones in East Africa, evidenced by the past winners of the CAF Champions and Confederation Cups. Mbungo, who currently is serving as the head coach of South Sudanese side Jamus, told SportsBoom: "Teams from North and West Africa are stronger than ours on many fronts. They have invested heavily in talent identification and youth development. Their leagues are strong and attract talents from all over the continent.

"Their teams have been dominating in CAF inter-club competitions. They have also been making regular appearances in AFCON and the World Cup, unlike our teams. This gives them an edge to win the CHAN tournament,"

Despite the fact that three of the four teams that will represent the region in next year's finals will have the benefit of playing in front of home fans, the former goalkeeper feels that will still count to nothing.

19 countries will be contesting for the top honours, including the increased prize money in what will be the tournament's first-ever edition to be co-hosted by three countries.

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