The second African Nations Championship will be hosted by Sudan

The General-Secretary of the Sudanese FA has given assurances that the 2011 African Nations Championship (CHAN) will be a success.

Sudan hosts the championship in February, which will see the tournament expanded from eight teams to 16.

And despite the problems trailing the preparations, Dr Hassan Abou Jabal says there is no need for concern.

"We are sure that [everything] will be ready," Dr Abou Jabal told BBC sport in Khartoum.

Sudan hosts the second edition of the tournament, which is for locally-based players, from February 4 to 25.

There have been complaints of a late start in preparations and the state of some of the pitches, but Dr Abou Jabal, who is also a member of the tournament's Local Organizing Committee, said every thing will be in place for the competition.

"We have been assured the pitches will be ready before the end of January," he said.

"Three cities will host the [four] groups with two groups based in Khartoum, while the others will be based in Wad Medani and Port Sudan," Dr Abou Jabal continued.

The LOC member also publicity towards towards the competition had started in earnest and fans were expected to fill all the stadia.

"I agree we started the publicity a bit late but I assure you people are now aware of the the competition and the are excited," he stated.

On the secession referendum in the south of the country, Dr. Abou Jabal said it would have no negative impact on the tournament.

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