Raymond Kalla's favorite CHAN stars

Raymond Kalla won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) twice in 2000 and 2002, and was Sydney 2000 Olympics gold medalist with Cameroon. As a pary of CAF Technical Study Group (TSG), the former Indomitable Lions defender followed with particular interest the ongoing Total African Nations Championship (CHAN), Cameroon 2020. And he could not hide his admire to a specific player despite seeing his team leaving the competition prematurely. This is the Ugandan Kagimu Shafiq Kuchi.

Mali impressed with its quality, DR Congo with its spirit (grinta), and Morocco with performance, but both Uganda and Togo received the admiration of the legendary Kalla.

With risk taking, the level can be better, according to Kalla. "Morocco matches has shown us that if the teams want, they can do more," he admits. He hoped for a more elevated quarterfinals and was therefore served with the spectacle offered during the last matches.

When asked which player impressed him most, Kalla answered bluntly "Uganda's No.8 who is a maestro". Kagimu Shafiq Kuchi has been Cameroon’s legend most favorite.

“Unfortunately, they lost. But he was a player who impressed me a lot with his quality of play, in addition to his peace of mind. You know when a player is quiet about the midfield, he can do anything. I'm not going to see him anymore, but he's a player I admired his talent. I saw his games, and I was like, if he can continue, he could be a contender for the title of best player in this tournament."

Despite a maestro performance, Kagimu had to leave the competition after the heavy 5-2 defeat to holders Morocco.

“The team that has convinced me the most so far is Morocco, but that doesn't mean the others have nothing. Morocco has experienced players who know this tournament, and when you also look at their championship which is played regularly unlike the others, I think this team can win the title for the second time," added Kalla.

“Mali has impressed me with players who go fast and who want to win. They are also another team to count on. Now we are waiting to see the evolution,” concluded the Cameroonian legend.

The most impressive teams according to Kalla are still there. Morocco will face Cameroon while Mali will face Guinea in the semifinal this Wednesday. Will they live up to his forecasts?