The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has recognised President Paul Kagame for his outstanding efforts to ensure the success of the 2016 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) that was held in Rwanda in January.  

CAF President Issa Hayatou made the acknowledgement during the 38th CAF Ordinary General Assembly on Wednesday in Mexico that was attended by different heads of  football Associations on the continent, including Rwanda Football Federation head, Vincent Nzamwita.

"The 4th edition of the Orange African Nations Championship, that Rwanda hosted at the beginning of this year, was another occasion to not only rate the potential of the players that play on the continent, but also the work done by the local coaches,” Hayatou said while addressing the congress.

He further noted that, "For, despite the organization that was so well done by Rwanda, whose Head of State-Paul Kagame, spared no effort to make it a glamorous success, there was real spectacle on the field, culminating in the final victory of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which I once more congratulate,”

Rwanda was hosting the tournament for the first time.

DR Congo, the winners of the maiden edition in 2009, claimed the 2016 edition after edging Mali 3-0 in the final to cruise to their second African Nations Championship (CHAN) title.

Hosts Rwanda were eliminated in the quarter final by eventual winners DR Congo after a 2-1 win in extra-time.

Meanwhile, Kenya will host the 2018 edition of the Africa Nations’ Championship (CHAN) which is reserved for only locally-based players featuring in their countries’ domestic leagues.

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