Ghana 2008 ACN Groups identified
Loading ...The Official Draw of the Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of Nations successfully came off last Friday in Accra amidst rich display of culture and entertainment.
The short-but-impressive ceremony brought together the crème-de la-crème of African football under distinguished patronage of his Ghana’s President, John Kufour and saw all sixteen qualified teams knowing their respective opponents.
The packed-hall of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) saw guests being treated to some rich vein of Ghanaian culture and tradition.
The main event was preceded by the out-dooring of the name of the official mascot of the 26th edition on the continent’s showpiece soccer event.
The naming was typical of that of the people of Accra, referred to as “Gas” amidst drumming and dancing to unveil “Agorohene” – meaning “King of Sports.”
CAF President Issa Hayatou in his speech lauded Ghana for her role in the development of football on the continent, which has seen them emerging as African Champions four times- 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982.
He said Ghana’s contribution to African football has been phenomenal making special references to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, first president and Ohene Djan, one-time Director of Sports.
“Ghana’s prowess has not been limited to the football world alone but the economic market as well, as the latest issue of the World Bank report titled “Doing Business 2008” listed Ghana among the Top 10 Business Reformers in the World, with Kenya as the other African country in that top ranking,” said Mr Hayatou.
President Kufour in his speech urged the sixteen finalists to exhibit high level of professionalism to make the event a memorable one and promote unity as well.
He also congratulated CAF on its 50th anniversary, just like Ghana, who marked its 50th Independence Anniversary in March.
In his opening address, Magnus Rex Danquah, Chief Operating Officer of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) outlined his outfit’s preparation for the January 20 – February 10, Champions which received the approval of the CAF Organising Committee at their last meeting.
Dr Kofi Amoah, Chairman of the LOC Board expressed optimism regarding preparations in their quest to host the best African Cup of Nations ever, with barely three months to the championships.
“For the first time, there will be a relay-torch across the countries in Africa to whip up interest in the event” announced Dr. Amoah who said the ceremony was another milestone towards hosting process.
Mr Danny Jordaan, Chairman of the South Africa 2010 LOC assured the football world of the Southern African countries ability to host the world’s biggest football event.
“The performance of the participating teams at Ghana 2008 ACN will be crucial to the chances of Africa’s first triumph at the World Cup.”
For the first time in the history of the biennial, Adidas presented an official match ball to be used during the competition.
Adidas Ambassador and former Liberian star, George Oppong Weah presented the official ball to CAF President Issa Hayatou, who in turn presented to President Kufuor.
Three former footballers namely Anthony Baffoe, Abedi Pele and 1998 World Cup winner Marcel Desailly assisted CAF General Secretary, Mustapha Fahmy in the main draw.
Ghana, the hosts was pitched in Group A alongside Morocco, Namibia and Guinea with defending champions, Egpyt paired in Group C with Cameroon, Sudan and Zambia.
Group B has Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali and Benin with Tunisia, Angola, Senegal and South Africa completing pack in Group D.
What they said after the draw
The announcement of the groupings of the Ghana 208 Africa Cup of Nations last Friday has led to diverse reactions from various team camps.
CAFONLINE sampled the views of some team officials about the group and their chances.
On group A, Kwesi Nyantakyi, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) said Ghana, hosts have bright chances in a group which has Morocco as the only former winner of the competition.
“No team is weak though in the group, but we have played Morocco and will play Guinea next month.
“The only problem is Namibia, who we don’t know anything about but we won’t underrate any team,” revealed the GFA boss who insists the Black Stars still have a chance of lifting the ultimate.
For Head coach, Claude Le Roy, the presence of key players will be crucial to their chances at the tournament after avoiding the likes of Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal in the group phase.
“I’m hoping there will be no injuries to my key players for us to move on” said the Frenchman who will be making his sixth appearance at Africa’s foremost football after stints with Senegal, Cameroon DR Congo among others.
“I can assure all that we will display the real action on the field come January. I know expectations are high but we will surely go through.”
On his part, John Williams, President of the Namibia Football Association (NFA) said his team will be relying on their underdog’s status to move higher in the group, which has the Flames as the lowest in terms of pedigree.
“It is always good to be underdogs as there will be pressure on especially Ghana (hosts), Morocco and Guinea. We have already played Morocco and I think we still have a chance.
“We are not here to add to the numbers but to make an impact,” declared Williams whose Flames “burnt out” the Simbas of DR Congo for Group Ten Slot.
This have been described as the “Group of Death” but still each team fancies its chance especially the Super Eagles of Nigeria, who German coach Berti Vogts remains upbeat.
“Cote d’Ivoire and Mali are strong teams with talented players and can’t be overlooked. I also have some equally good players in my squad but I need good preparation to discover the winning touch.
“We are capable of upsetting any of the teams,” said Vogts.
Dr Rafiu Oladipo, President General of the Supporters Club of Nigeria expressed optimism about the chances of the Super Eagles in Group B.
“We know how to handle the other three teams especially Mali and Cote d’Ivoire, who are very dangerous.”
Despite being paired in the same group with the defending champions and five-time champions, Dr, Bissou Mahop, Medical Officer of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) believes the Indomitable Lions is still the team to beat.
“We were hoping for the likes of Ghana, Senegal, Nigeria or Cote d’Ivoire; but with these teams there is little cause to worry.
Dr Bissou, who was in Accra for the 2nd CAF Medical Conference said “we know the style of all the teams and will prepare for any consequences.”
On the part of Dr. Kamal Shadad, President of the Sudan Football Association (SFA), he said the Desert Hawks will impress after a 30-year absence.
“We have been drawn against teams we have played against previously and we have a strong chance” said Dr Kamal, who disclosed that current set up of Sudanese team have played consistently for four years.
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