CHAN: Major controversial takes from from coaches and officials
By Luke Oluoch, August 31, 2025As the curtain closed on the eighth edition of the 2024 African Nations Championship, People Daily Digital Sports reflects back on the most controversial remarks that came out of the championship.
From federation heads to football coaches, the CHAN 2024 had its share of controversial soundbites emanating from interviews and opinions, some coming under the heat of the moment and the pressure associated with the beautiful game.
Avram Grant on Zambia’s targets
The Zambia team had a tough outing in CHAN, failing to record a victory in Group A and ultimately being eliminated in the preliminary stages. Their veteran coach, Avram Grant, sparked controversy with his remarks that his target for the games wasn’t to win the championship but rather to assess a squad comprised of new players.
“Our targets at CHAN were different; of course, we want to win, but that wasn’t our main focus,” the 70-year-old Israeli national coach stated after suffering a second defeat against Morocco in the championship.
Though not explicitly stated, his sentiments raised questions about what teams enter competitions for, with many pundits dismissing his comments as sour grapes.
Magogo on Uganda’s opening loss
Joining Grant on the controversial utterances was Moses Magogo, the president of the Uganda Football Federation (FUFA).
Following the Cranes’ opening defeat to Algeria, Magogo seemingly went berserk.
The FUFA president took to his official X page to remind his countrymen of their role in supporting the team.
While urging for a realistic appraisal about the national team’s chances against Algeria, Magogo also criticised fans for not doing enough in supporting their local league.
“To get our players playing at the same level, it will take our collective effort as a country – not just the federation, clubs, players, and coaches. As fans who want Uganda to beat Algeria in CHAN, do you watch league games? Because if you don’t, clubs won’t get the funds to pay these players and/or keep their best players who are lured away to play in leagues that aren’t stronger than us but just offer more money.”
Yanga’s Ally Kamwe remarks
Following a recurring feud between Kenya and their neighbour Tanzania, Young Africans spokesperson Ally Kamwe could not pass up an opportunity to banter Kenyans over assertions that Nairobi.
In one of the spokesperson’s comments, he mocked Kenya’s Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, likening the venue to a “kakarai” (a metallic basin).
“Kenyans claim they fill their stadium to capacity, but in reality, the stadium is like a kakarai. Our stadium (Benjamin Mkapa) is much bigger than theirs,” he stated.
He also compared Harambee Stars players to mini-robots playing for money, as opposed to Tanzanians, who he asserted play for their national pride.