Haruna challenges Amavubi

Yesterday’s results Sudan 1-0 Gabon Today Uganda vs AlgeriaGhana vs South AfricaZimbabwe vs Niger AMAVUBI captain Haruna Niyonzima has challenged his teammates to forget about last year’s Senior Challenge Cup and focus on the 2011 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN). Niyonzima has called upon the team to be positive starting with their opening Group D game against Senegal on Monday in Port Sudan.Angola and Tunisia complete the group although there are doubts about Tunisia’s involvement because of the ongoing political unrest in Tunis. Speaking before the team’s departure yesterday, Niyonzima said, “This is yet another opportunity for the team to show how good they are. We have got lots of good players in the side and it is up to us to play well and get as far as we can in the tournament.” The tournament is equally important to Amavubi head coach Sellas Tetteh.The Ghanaian is desperate to redeem his reputation after a patchy display in last year’s Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup as well as back to back defeats in Rwanda opening 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Benin. Meanwhile, Tetteh made a last minute decision to include Amavubi’s first choice goalkeeper Jean Luc Ndayishimiye a.k.a Bakame in his 23-man squad. The Ghanaian had earlier omitted the goalkeeper because of a fever but overturned his decision just hours before the team’s departure. Police custodian Evariste Mutuyimana was the man to make way.Sudan kicked off their Group A campaign on a high following yesterday’s 1-0 win over Gabon. Today, there are three games on cards; Ghana takes on South Africa, Zimbabwe entertain Niger while Uganda lock horns with Algeria. CHAN is a tournament reserved for players featuring in their respective local leagues.The first edition, held in Ivory Coast in 2009, was won by DRC. Ends

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Haruna challenges Amavubi