Ghana have been handed a tough draw for the African Games Brazzaville 2015 after being drawn with rivals Nigeria and two-time winners, Egypt.
Senegal complete the quartet of Group B for the men’s final tournament of the 11th edition of the quadrennial multisport event fixed for 3-18 September 2015, with matches mainly in the Congolese capital, Brazzaville.
Ghana Black Meteors would come up against oppositions very familiar at the podium of the tournament since its inception in 1965, in their quest to defend the title they won for the first time four years ago in Maputo, Mozambique.
Ghana Black Meteors would come up against oppositions very familiar at the podium of the tournament since its inception in 1965, in their quest to defend the title they won for the first time four years ago in Maputo, Mozambique.
Besides Cameroon, the most successful side in the history of the championship with four gold medals, the Pharaohs of Egypt have been crowned champions twice, 1987 (Nairobi, Kenya) and 1995 (Harare, Zimbabwe) whereas Nigeria’s only triumph came on home soil in 1973 in Lagos.
The last meeting between the Ghanaians and their Nigerian counterparts was during the 2003 edition, where the latter as hosts humbled their opponents 3-0 at the semis before going on to lose 2-0 to Cameroon in the final.
Senegal were not really impressive on their initial two appearances in 1987 and 2003 (Abuja, Nigeria), but left a huge mark at the last edition four years ago, with a fourth place finish.
The last meeting between the Ghanaians and their Nigerian counterparts was during the 2003 edition, where the latter as hosts humbled their opponents 3-0 at the semis before going on to lose 2-0 to Cameroon in the final.
Senegal were not really impressive on their initial two appearances in 1987 and 2003 (Abuja, Nigeria), but left a huge mark at the last edition four years ago, with a fourth place finish.
Historic
Hosts Congo are housed in Group A alongside Sudan, Zimbabwe and Burkina Faso. Since winning the ultimate at the maiden edition 50-years ago in their backyard, Les Diables Noirs are presented with yet another opportunity to replicate the historic feat of half-a-century ago after a dismal outing on their other appearance in 1995 in Harare.
The Warriors of Zimbabwe will be making a third appearance having managed modest performances in 1991 (Cairo, Egypt) – fourth place and a silver medal four years later on home soil.
Sudan will be making a first appearance in the history of the eight-team tournament.
The draw took place on Thursday, 9 July 2015 at the CAF Headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, and was conducted by CAF General Secretary, Hicham El Amrani and assisted by Tarig Atta, Deputy General Secretary of the Sudan Football Association.
Men
Group A – Congo, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso
Group B – Ghana, Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria
Congo, Brazzaville, will host the 11th All African Games, marking the 50th anniversary of the Games, which were first held in 1965 in Congo.
Women
Group A – Congo, Nigeria, Tanzania, Cote d’Ivoire
Group B – Cameroon, South Africa, Ghana, Egypt
Source: CAF
