AYC bound teams pitch camp in East Africa

Several teams set to take part in the forthcoming African Youth Championship due in Kigali January 18-February 1 have relocated their training camps in East Africa to acclimatize themselves with the weather in Rwanda ahead of the two week tournament.

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Several teams set to take part in the forthcoming African Youth Championship due in Kigali January 18-February 1 have relocated their training camps in East Africa to acclimatize themselves with the weather in Rwanda ahead of the two week tournament.

Mali, Nigeria, Cameroon and South Africa are set to use East Africa as their training base, 10 days to the championship. The Cameroonians have spent a week of intensive training in the Kenyan capital Nairobi and before the end of this week; they will be joined by South Africa.

The Malian U-20 side is currently in Bujumbura, Burundi in preparation for the competition.

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria are set to arrive in Kigali tomorrow (Saturday) before the competition begins on January 18.

The Flying Eagles are in Group B alongside Egypt, South Africa and Ivory Coast at the eight–nation tournament.

Nigeria’s first match is against South Africa on 19 January, followed by a clash with Egypt on 22 January.

Mali is drawn in Group A along with host nation Rwanda, two-time champions Ghana and 1995 champions Cameroon.

Rwanda opens her campaign against Mali as Cameroon face Ghana on January 18.

The semi-finalists at this tournament will represent Africa at the Fifa World Youth Championship to be hosted by Egypt between September 25 and October 16.

Africa could well be represented by five countries should Egypt qualify for the semi-finals of the African Youth Championship.

Ends