DR Congo’s Leopards A’ Shift Training Camp to Tanzania Ahead of CHAN Tournament
Team Prepares for African Nations Championship After Algeria Training Cancellation
Kinshasa, DR Congo – The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national B football team, known as the Leopards A’, will now conduct their training camp in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, according to an official statement from the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA). The announcement, received by Radio Okapi on Monday, July 21, comes as the team prepares for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN).
CHAN Tournament Set for Three Host Nations
The Congolese squad is gearing up for the final phase of CHAN, Africa’s second-tier national team competition, scheduled to run from August 2 to 30 across three East African countries: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The tournament features teams composed exclusively of players active in their domestic leagues.
Last-Minute Change of Training Venue
The team’s original training camp in Algeria was abruptly canceled on Saturday, July 19 following a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The decision came after TP Mazembe, one of DR Congo’s top clubs, successfully appealed to resume the national Ligue 1 championship. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Leopards A’ are expected to depart Kinshasa on Wednesday, July 23 to begin their Tanzanian training camp.
Group Stage Challenge and Title Ambitions
Drawn in Group A of the tournament, the Congolese team will face stiff competition from host nation Kenya, Angola, Morocco, and Zambia. The DR Congo squad enters the competition with ambitions of securing a record third CHAN title, having previously triumphed in the inaugural 2009 edition held in Côte d’Ivoire and again in 2016 when Rwanda hosted the tournament.
The change in training location presents both logistical challenges and opportunities for the team as they seek to maintain their preparation momentum ahead of the continental championship. Football analysts will be watching closely to see how the last-minute adjustment affects the team’s performance in the tournament.
For more details on this developing story and comprehensive coverage of African football, visit the original source at Radio Okapi.