As the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) reaches the knockout stages, fans have weighed in on who they believe will lift the trophy. A recent poll, conducted at the start of the tournament, invited readers to predict the future champion of the 4th edition of CHAN. After the conclusion of the group stage, the results are in: the **Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo)** has emerged as the clear favorite, securing **54% of the votes**.
Out of 1,200 participant, 648 fans** have backed Florent Ibenge’s Leopards to claim the title. The team has been impressive in the opening rounds and will face Rwanda in the quarter-finals on **Saturday. With the Amavubi (Rwanda) receiving just 4% of the vote**—or 49 votes—it is clear that fan confidence heavily favors DR Congo over their upcoming opponent.
Other teams have also garnered significant support in the poll. **Tunisia**, a strong contender from a competitive group that included Nigeria, received **19% of the votes (227 votes)**. The Carthage Eagles topped their group and are set to face **Mali** on **Sunday** in what promises to be a challenging quarter-final clash. Fans are optimistic about Tunisia’s chances given their strong performance in the initial rounds.
While DR Congo and Tunisia lead in fan confidence, other quarter-finalists like **Ivory Coast** and **Cameroon** remain dark horses. The Elephants will meet Cameroon on Sunday, while **Zambia** takes on **Guinea** on Saturday. Though these teams received fewer votes in the survey, knockout tournaments are notoriously unpredictable, and surprises could still unfold.
The poll also highlights fan sentiment heading into the **final eight**, offering insight into which teams carry not only skill and form but also widespread support. With just **24 hours to go** before the quarter-finals, excitement is at a peak. Fans are encouraged to comment on the potential winners and share their predictions, adding to the tournament’s interactive appeal.
As the CHAN 2016 progresses, it will be fascinating to see if DR Congo can live up to its poll favorite status. Will the Leopards capitalize on fan expectations, or will an underdog team like Mali or Guinea stage a surprise? With the quarter-finals poised to deliver high-stakes drama, every match will be crucial.
The quarter-final schedule is as follows:
* **Saturday:** Rwanda vs. DR Congo | Zambia vs. Guinea
* **Sunday:** Ivory Coast vs. Cameroon | Mali vs. Tunisia
Fan engagement and predictions add an extra layer of excitement to CHAN 2016, underscoring the passion and enthusiasm surrounding African football. With DR Congo leading the polls, all eyes will be on Florent Ibenge’s side as they aim to convert fan confidence into a championship-winning performance.
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