Final Group Matches of CHAN 2016 Begin: Quarter-Final Spots on the Line
The last round of group-stage matches in the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) kicked off this Sunday, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the preliminary phase. In Group A, both Rwanda and Ivory Coast had already secured their places in the quarter-finals, confirming their dominance in the group. This left the remaining teams in Group B eagerly anticipating their final opportunities to claim one of the coveted spots in the next round of the competition.
Group B promises high stakes, as two teams will be able to advance on Monday, following the completion of the final matches. DR Congo has already booked its ticket to the quarter-finals after winning both of its opening matches, asserting itself as a dominant force in the group. The Congolese Leopards have displayed strong teamwork and consistency, giving them a comfortable buffer heading into their final group fixture.
With DR Congo’s qualification already secured, attention turns to Cameroon and Ethiopia, who remain in contention for the last available quarter-final slot from Group B. Cameroon, led by its seasoned squad of Indomitable Lions, holds the advantage. The team only requires a single point from its final game to guarantee progression, making them favorites going into the match against DR Congo. However, the Leopards are determined to play their best and not allow their neighbors any easy opportunities. Florent Ibenge, coach of DR Congo, emphasized the competitive spirit expected on the pitch: “No, there won’t be any gifts. We’re going to go out on the pitch to play the best possible match. And I don’t think the Cameroonians would like it to happen like that, either. They have absolutely everything they need to qualify. And we don’t know about combinations.”
For Ethiopia, the path to the quarter-finals is more complicated. The Walias must secure a win against Angola while simultaneously hoping for a Cameroonian defeat in order to progress. This combination of results adds a layer of tension and strategy to the final round, as the Ethiopian squad cannot rely solely on its own performance but must also watch the outcome of the neighboring match closely. Angola, meanwhile, enters as an underdog with the difficult task of playing spoiler to Ethiopia’s ambitions.
The match schedule, set in GMT, reflects the synchronized timing of these critical fixtures. DR Congo will face Cameroon at 2:00 p.m., a contest that promises intensity given both teams’ motivations. Simultaneously, Ethiopia will play Angola at 2:00 p.m., an encounter that could determine the final quarter-finalist depending on the results of both matches.
As the final group games unfold, fans and analysts alike anticipate thrilling moments, strategic battles, and potentially decisive goals that will shape the knockout phase. With Rwanda and Ivory Coast already advancing, the focus on Group B emphasizes the competitive balance of CHAN 2016 and highlights the fine margins that determine which African teams will continue their pursuit of continental glory. The quarter-finals await, and Monday’s results will set the stage for the next chapter in the tournament.
