Gilberto: CHAN 2020 had abundant talents

Former Angolan International Felisberto Sebastião da Graça Amaral has praised the abundant talent that has so far been showcased at the Total African Nations Championship (CHAN), Cameroon 2020.

Commonly known as Gilberto during his playing days with Egyptian giants Al Ahly and Belgian club Lierse among others, he said despite the COVID-19 challenges, teams have tried to prepare well and showed good football.

“We witnessed very good football with teams expressing themselves really well. In Group D, Guinea and Zambia showed high tactical awareness and no wonder they got to the knock-out stage,” added Gilberto who is now part of the CAF Technical Study Group (TSG).

He added that CHAN is affecting football positively in the continent because it is a competition that gives local based players a good platform to showcase their talent, and to to get opportunity to play in their A teams.

Regarding the player who stood out for him in Group D, Gilberto chose Guinea’s Morlaye Sylla. “He is an intelligent player who is skillful, clever and can carry a team. It is not by surprise that he was voted Man of the Match in three different matches,” he added.

Although he congratulated African football for being able to hold a CHAN tournament during this difficult period of COVID-19, he pointed out that perhaps it is also time not to have players who are above 30-years to feature in the tournament. “We could have more U-23 players and a few senior players, but not above 30 years,” said Gilberto.

About his role being part of the Technical Study Group, Gilberto said it was a good experience. “I have been able to learn from my colleagues and also watching games and coming out with truthful incidents,” he concluded.