2021 FIFA Arab Cup: CECAFA teams kick start battle for slots in group stage

The Falcons of Sudan will open their campaign against Libya later tonight in a preliminary match of the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup.

Coach Hubert Velud’s team will face the Libyan side at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

“We have prepared well and are ready to play a good game and qualify for the group stage,” said Velud who guided Sudan to qualification for the Total Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in March this year. New coach Javier Clemente will also be in-charge of the Mediterranean Knights of Libya.

Clemente, a Spanish trained coach makes his return to handle Libya after he guided their team to the 2014 Africa Nations Cup (CHAN) triumph.

Besides Sudan, the other teams representing the Council of East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA) zone include; Somalia, Djibouti and South Sudan.

On Sunday Somalia who lost 1-0 in an international friendly away to Djibouti few days ago will face Oman, while South Sudan take on Jordan on June 21st. The Djibouti national team will battle Lebanon on June 23rd.

The teams that win in the preliminary round will enter the group stage for the main tournament that takes place in Qatar from 30 November to 18 December. The showpiece event will support Qatar’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup™️ and showcase the region’s passion for the beautiful game.