Ethiopia, Uganda out to secure perfect start in CHAN 2022

_{CECAFA representatives Ethiopia and Uganda Cranes will be in action later today as they seek a perfect start in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2022.}

_{Action started on Friday night with hosts Algeria stopping Libya 1-0 in a Group A match played at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers.}

_{This evening Ethiopia will enter the fry first when they battle Mozambique in another Group A match, while Uganda, making their sixth appearance in the competition will face unpredictable DR Congo in a Group B tie at the 19th May 1956 Stadium in Annaba.}

_{Ethiopia’s coach Wubetu Abate said they are going all out to try and get a win in the opening match.}

_{“Our objective for this game is to win at all costs because it is important to start this tournament with a victory,” said Abate who also made it clear that they are determined to make it to the knock out stage.}

_{Ethiopia’s captain Mohamed Mesut also made it clear that although they are ware that Mozambique is a strong team, they are ready to give their best to get a good result. The Walia Ibex have never made it out of the group stages in all their appearances in 2014 and 2016.}

_{The second match for a team from the CECAFA Zone promises to be a thriller as DR Congo will be all out to try and stop Uganda that stopped them 2-0 at the AFCON 2019 held in Egypt.}

_{“We respect DR Congo and the other opponents. But this time we shall do everything to pass the group stage,” says Uganda Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic. He said although he guided Zambia to the quarter final stage at the last CHAN held in Cameroon, he is also determined to guide Uganda Cranes to another level.}

_{Uganda’s skipper Milton Karisa who is one of the most experienced players on the team also made it clear that they are very prepared and focused on getting results. “We came here very focused. We are keen on getting results. The Uganda Cranes of 2020 and this have a big difference under a great coach here. I believe we have more quality and we can pull a surprise,” said Karisa.}

_{The Uganda Cranes who camped in Tunisia before traveling to Algeria played three friendly matches drawing 2-2 against Sudan, picking a 1-1 draw against Cameroon and a goalless draw against Mali.}

_{On Sunday Sudan are also expected to be in action against reigning champions Morocco in a Group C match at the Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine. However, the Morocco team is yet to arrive in Algeria.}

_{The CHAN tournament. is strictly for players featuring in domestic Leagues in their respective countries. For the first time this CHAN 2022 will attract 18 teams.}