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Danny ‘Deco’ Phiri

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
LOCALLY-based Warriors’ captain Danny “Deco” Phiri has described their African Nations Championship (Chan) group as tough and said Zifa should organise friendly matches against strong opponents before they leave for Rwanda.

In a draw conducted in Kigali on Sunday, Zimbabwe were drawn in Group D with northern neighbours Zambia, Mali and Uganda for the tournament that runs from January 16 to February 7.

Zimbabwe have never missed a Chan tournament since its inception in Cote d’Ivoire in 2009. The Warriors went for the inaugural edition under Sunday Chidzambwa and then with Madinda Ndlovu in Sudan in 2011. On both occasions, the Warriors failed to progress to the knockout stages.

In the last edition held in South Africa in 2014, Zimbabwe, under the guidance of Ian Gorowa, finished fourth after losing to eventual winners Libya. Warriors’ coach Callisto Pasuwa has joined the elite coaches who have led the team to the continental finals of a tournament designed exclusively for the home-based players.

Phiri said with adequate preparations, the Warriors are capable of going through to the final.

“I know this is a tough group, but I believe any of the opponents that qualified for the finals deserved to be there, hence any group that we would’ve been drawn in was bound to be tricky. As much as we’re in a tough group, what’s key for us is to have adequate preparations. My appeal is for Zifa to organise a longer training camp and maybe two or three friendly matches against good opponents,” said Phiri.

The Chicken Inn skipper, who has had a brilliant season, said they will also bank on past experience at the finals.

“We’re also difficult opponents to anyone because we’ve qualified for every edition. I think now it’s time to make our experience count by winning at all costs. Having right preparations will lay a good foundation for our success.”

Hosts Rwanda have also been handed a tricky draw in Group A alongside Gabon, Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire.

Winners of the maiden edition in 2009, DR Congo are housed in Group B with 2011 losing finalists Angola, Cameroon and Ethiopia.

Group A will be based at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Group B in Butare, Group C at the Nyamirambo Stadium, also in Kigali, while Gisenyi will host Group D.

Chan 2016 draw

Group A: Rwanda, Gabon, Morocco, Cote d’Ivoire

Group B: DR Congo, Angola. Cameroon, Ethiopia

Group C: Tunisia, Nigeria Niger, Guinea

Group D: Zimbabwe, Mali, Uganda, Zambia