Members of CAF’s Technical Examine Group (TSG), have hailed the ninth version of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), PAMOJA 2024, as probably the most technically spectacular in latest historical past.
Former Ethiopian nationwide group coach Abraham Mebratu and ex-South African worldwide Mark Fish, each members of the competitors’s TSG, made these observations on Tuesday.
They made the observations once they made an look on main Kenyan tv station NTV to discover key technical insights on the group stage of the competitors.
In the course of the discussions, members of the CAF TSG shared detailed evaluation on the event to this point, together with tactical tendencies, participant efficiency patterns, and rising teaching methods.
Tactical Evolution and Attacking Play
Fish famous a visual shift in how groups method matches in comparison with the earlier event.
“We’re seeing a shift from the final CHAN the place groups have been extra proactive. Groups at the moment are extra attack-minded, with dynamic formations, and even defenders stepping as much as act nearly like midfielders,” Fish informed NTV in Kenya.
This evolution has produced extra objectives. With 36 matches performed, 74 objectives have been scored—a median of two per sport.
Burkina Faso’s 4-2 victory over the Central African Republic stays the highest-scoring match, whereas Sudan’s 4-0 conquer Nigeria in Zanzibar is the most important margin.
Gamers Present Extra Versatility
Fish additional praised the improved versatility of gamers: “Gamers have turn into extra versatile, groups are scoring extra, and I believe that’s the way in which ahead. It’s thrilling to see the route our soccer is taking.”
Mebratu agreed, highlighting quick transitions and improved tactical flexibility.
“Groups are switching very well between assault and protection, enjoying at a excessive tempo. There’s a enormous enchancment particularly by way of assault,” he mentioned.
Daring Use of Younger Expertise
One other notable spotlight has been the elevated use of younger gamers, some as younger as 17. Mebratu counseled coaches for trusting kids who’ve delivered impactful performances.
Fish added that the brand new technology is extra tactically disciplined and centered on teamwork whereas nonetheless exhibiting particular person high quality.
Hosts Shine in Quarter-Ultimate Push
The three co-hosts—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania—have additionally been praised for reaching the quarter-finals. Kenya and Tanzania each topped their teams, whereas Uganda superior after an exhilarating 3-3 draw towards South Africa.
Kenya face Madagascar, Tanzania meet Morocco, and Uganda play holders Senegal within the final eight. Fish was significantly impressed with the self-discipline and training requirements proven by the East African groups.
“I’ve seen higher teaching, extra disciplined gamers, and groups adapting very well to tactical directions. I’ve been very impressed by the three host nations,” Fish remarked.
East African Rise
Mebratu emphasised the advance of East African groups, together with Sudan, who’ve mixed health with technical group.
“The gamers are bodily match and play with superb technical and tactical potential. Their group each out and in of possession has been actually spectacular,” he mentioned.
Eyes on the Knockouts
With the group stage full, focus now turns to the quarter-finals, the place the TSG expects much more thrilling soccer and tactical battles to unfold.-CAF
