Niger keep faith in squad

Niger debuted in the continental championship for the first time last year, exiting the tournament in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon early and without a point, but have kept faith with the majority of the selection for a second successive appearance.

Niger will play Mali, Ghana and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group B. Their first match is on January 20 against Mali in Port Elizabeth.

They depart for the tournament after beating Togo 3-1 in a warm-up match at the weekend.

Niger squad

Goalkeepers: Toldo Alzouma (Garde Nationale), Kassaly Daouda (Chippa United), Rabo Saminou (Sahel SC)

Defenders: Ismael Alassane (Mangasport), Mohamed Bachar (AS Douanes), Mohamed Chicoto (AS Marsa), Kourouma Fatokouma (Chabab Al Hociema), Lucky James (AS Douanes), Koffi Dan Kowa (ES Zarzis), Kader Amadou Dodo (Olympic), Issiaka Koudize (Garde Nationale), Mohamed Soumaila (Olympic)

Midfielders: Moutari Amadou (FC Mans), Issoufou Boubacar, Karim Lancina (both unattached), Abdoul Idrissa Laouali (Mangasport), William Ngounou (IF Limhamn Bunkeflo), Souleymane Sakou (Olympic), Talatou Boubacar (Thanda Royal Zulu)

Forwards: Issoufou Alhassane (Wydad Fes), Kamilou Daouda (JS Saoura), Moussa Maazou (Etoile Sahel), Modibo Sidibe (unattached)