Ivorian spies on Tanzania, Zambia
2009-01-07 11:09:26
By Somoe Ng`itu, Kampala
Ivory Coast have sent an official here to spy on Tanzania and Zambia who are competing in the ongoing Senior Challenge Cup.
Tanzania`s Taifa Stars and Chipolopolo of Zambia are one of the teams which have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations (CHAN) finals.
The finals of the tournament meant for the domestic players will be held in Ivory Coast from February 22 to March 8.
The spy watched Kilimanjaro Stars` Group `A` match against Somalia at the Nakivubo Stadium on Saturday. The Mainlanders went down 1-0.
Kilimanjaro Stars is formed by players who helped the team qualify for the CHAN finals.
He also witnessed the match between Chipolopolo and Burundi at the Bugembe Stadium in Jinja on Sunday. The teams drew 1-1.
``He was introduced to us as a soccer official from Ivory Coast. We do not know what he is doing here,`` a Cecafa official told the press.
Taifa Stars are in Group `A` together with Chipolopolo, Senegal and hosts Ivory Coast.
Group `B` comprises Zimbabwe, Libya, Ghana and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Meanwhile, Chipolopolo coach Herve Renard said he was using the Challenge Cup as part of the CHAN preparations.
``This is part of our preparation ahead of the newly CAF,`` the Frenchman told the press after his team had forced a goalless draw with Kenya`s Harambee Stars in a Group `B` match over the weekend.
``After this tournament I should be able to figure out mistakes to work on before we go to Ivory Coast,`` he said.
Renard said he had three professionals in his Uganda squad. ``The professionals are here to give the young stars experience, otherwise they will not travel to Ivory Coast,`` he said.
They are Francis Kasonde, Elijah Litana and Kebby Hachipuka.
SOURCE: Guardian