Ghana Can 2008

Video : Nigeria Vs Ghana (Can 2008)

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:19:54 PST

Video : Opening Ceremony of Ghana Can 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:23:37 PST

Asanka Local prepares for Ghana 2008-

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 03:29:38 PST

Asanka Local, three-time winner of the 'Chop-bar of the year' award has stepped up preparations to ensure that customers are given excellent services during Ghana 2008 and beyond.
Mr Henry Nii Addy, Director of the hospitality resort, who announced this in Accra on Sunday said so far, they had held about 12 in-service training courses for the staff from July last year, to equip them in modern trends of food services.
He said the company had also introduced Ivorian, Nigerian and Senegalese dishes to their menu and that plans were far advanced to introduce dishes of some of other participating countries.
On security arrangements, Nii Addy said adequate measures had been put in place to ensure that the area was rid of armed robbers and other unscrupulous persons, whose attitude would tend to mar the peace in the area.
The Director also appealed to the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing to ensure that water was made available to all communities to avoid food being prepared with unhygienic water.
Nii Addy also appealed to taxi drivers to ensure that they are neat-dressed and avoid using abusive languages when they are on duty.
He hoped the hosting of the event would portray the image and culture of Ghana in good light, adding that all things being well, Ghana would lift the trophy for the fifth time.
06 Jan 08

Sportive pips Ashgold

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 12:52:33 PST

Accra, Jan 5, GNA – Tema Real Sportive pipped Ashantigold 2-1 in their Onetouch Premier League match at their adopted home grounds of El-Wak Stadium, Accra on Saturday.

The game, which produced great excitement, saw all the goals coming in the first half.The host took the lead on the 19th minute mark through Ali Lukman.The goal was scored through a well taken free- kick by Yunis Kamil which Lukman connected home with Ashgold’s goalkeeper, Michael Addo helpless.The goal gingered up the visitors to pour out fighting with their moves becoming obvious in a manner of a goal beckoning with their every move.Their effort was rewarded ten minutes later when Shaibu Yakubu wrapped up a brilliant solo move with a fine finish that left Sportive’s keeper John Adjettey gasping for breath.Eleven minutes on, Sportive had their lead restored by Hamza Abdulai when he tore the visitors defence into shreds before squeezing the ball past goalkeeper Addo who struggled all day.Both teams fought in vain to change the results in the second half to no avail until the final whistle.

05 Jan. 08

Health Service beat Health Ministry to lift special trophy

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 10:25:42 PST

Accra, Jan 4, GNA – The football team of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) beat their counterparts from the Ministry of Health (MOH) 8-7 on penalties to lift the special trophy of the 2008 edition of the annual match between the two institutions on Friday in Accra.
The game which was played at the Race Course Turf Park in Accra tied at 1-0 until a superlative save from Health Service goalie Abdul Razak aided his side to avenge their last year’s defeat.
The annual event, which forms part of the Ministry of Health’s theme of new paradigm of “Creating Wealth through Health”, was to foster unity among the two medical-oriented institutions.
The Minister of Health, Major (Rtd) Courage Quashigah,who took the ceremonial kick off of the event saw the two
teams who paraded staff of their various departments struggling to find the feet and rhythm in the opening part of the game.The entertaining game remained a balanced contest until the 25th minute when Health Service striker Bernard Kodie scored the first goal for his side with a thunderbolt of a shot that caught the Health Ministry goalkeeper wrong footed.
The Ministry of Health resumed the second half strongly making several raids into the half of the Health Service and this yielded positive dividends later in the 82nd minute when Alfred Agyemang’s half volley around the penalty area found the net.When the penalty shootout was evoked after the final whistle, Health Service scored eight of their kicks while Ministry of Health converted seven.
Madam Mavis Osae, Chief Nursing Officer presented the ultimate trophy to the captain of the GHS team, Eric Adu Danso, while their head striker Kodie was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP). The MOH last year thrashed GHS 3-0 in the maiden edition of the event.

04 Jan. 07

Chairman assures Licensees against ambush marketing

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 10:24:36 PST

Accra, Jan 4, GNA – The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, LOC) of the Ghana 2008 26th MTN Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana 2008, Dr Kofi Amoah has assured licensees of merchandized paraphernalia of the protection of their rights and against ambush marketing.

Some of the companies, institutions and organizations have so far invested heavily to secure license for their products,
which the LOC Chairman believes will be improper for others to benefit through the back door.

Dr Amoah, who said this at the official launch of the merchandize for the January 20 – February 10 Championships,added that the LOC will want the licensees to use their products as a vehicle to showcase Ghana’s culture and lifestyle to the expected one million visitors to the event.

“We won’t countenance ambush marketing and will deal with all those who would be found guilty.” Dr Amoah gave the assurance that the LOC was determined to create a cordial environment for the licensees to recoup their investments on their products by providing merchandizing zones at all the venues at the Ohene Djan- Accra, Baba Yara - Kumasi, Essipong - Sekondi and Tamale sports stadiums for them to exhibit their products.

The LOC Chairman advised the licensees to implore efficient distribution techniques to derive the expected benefits.Magnus Rex Danquah, Chief Operating Officer of LOC outlined the vision of the Secretariat saying that their doors were open to interested persons, companies and organizations interested in the production of merchandized paraphernalia for the tournament to do so.

Majority of the Licensees for the first time had the opportunity to display some of their products to the public.The products included key rings, flags, branded footballs,T-shirts, bottled water, stickers, armbands, bandanas, polo shirts, wrist bands, shopping bags, drinking glasses etc. The licensees promised that their products will soon be on sale at various approved outlets which is expected to aid in the hype of the three-week soccer fiesta.
04 Jan. 07

Zoomlion to ensure environmental cleanliness for Ghana 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 10:23:40 PST

Accra, Jan. 4, GNA - Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a private waste management company has been contracted to ensure environmental sanitation at the four stadia of the Ghana 2008 venues of the MTN Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for January 20 to February 10.

The company has therefore embarked on the recruitment and training of more personnel to deliver a world class service for the international tournament.Mr Lawrence Laryea, Head of Operations of Zoomlion said the company has so far recruited about 1000 workers to take charge of the environmental sanitation services in the four sites at the Ohene Djan, Baba Yara, Essipong near Sekondi and Tamale Sports stadiums. He said that 300 of them would be attached to the Ohene Djan stadium, 300 attached to the Baba Yara, 200 to the Tamale stadium and 200 to the Essipong stadium at Sekondi-Takoradi.

Mr Laryea said this in briefing with the media in Accra to explain the company’s services at the Ghana 2008 that will attract 16 of the Africa’s beat teams to Ghana.He said the Company intends to increase the work force to 1200 to ensure a more efficient and effective delivery of their services, adding that the company has procured road sweepers and washers, skip trucks, water tankers and other cleaning equipment for an effective delivery of services.

“We are also making available our services to the Local Organising Committee’s (LOC) accredited hotels and restaurants. These include 24 hour water tanker supply, cesspit emptier services, fumigation and disinfestations services,landscaping and beatification, as well as emergency evacuation of piled up garbage”.

Mr Laryea said that Zoomlion was in collaboration with the various Metropolitan, District Assemblies and venue LOC’s to embark on a nationwide clean-up exercise to ensure that the whole country was kept clean throughout and after the tournament.He entreated Ghanaians join in the exercise to rid of rubbish by maintaining good environmental sanitation in and around their homes, schools, workplaces, churches and other places of convenience.

Mrs Issabella Gyau-Orhin, Communications Manager of Zoomlion said that the company has since its inception in January 2006 undertaking numerous activities to improve the environmental sanitation of the country.She said the company has noted that lorry parks were the first point of call for several tourists as well as the main centres of economic activities, adding that, “Ensuring proper sanitation habits therefore will be key for the success of the tournament”.

Mrs Gyau-Orhin gave the assurance that Zoomlion would intensify its efforts in beautifying the country by planting more flowers, shrubs, trees and grasses and continue with the painting of road kerbs and other ceremonial streets.
04 Jan. 08

Ghana 2008 volunteers undergo training

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 10:22:48 PST

Sekondi Jan.4, GNA - The Sekondi-Takoradi Venue Organising Committee (STVOC) on Friday organized a one-day training programme for 430 volunteers for the Ghana 2008 tournament in the Metropolis.The volunteers would serve as ushers, receptionists and information volunteers. Mr Joe Kwamina Brainoo, the Venue Volunteer Co-ordinator advised the volunteers to be disciplined in the performance of their duties and to show respect to the visitors and spectators. He said the training programme is aimed at equipping

the volunteers with the necessary skills and right attitudes for their work.Mr Emmanuel Bissue, Office Manager of STVOC, said the Committee would be strict about accreditation during the tournament and those without proper accreditation would not be allowed to enter the Sekondi Sports Stadium Complex.He said the master list of accreditation would be released next week and the committee intends to strictly adhere to it.Mr Bissue said all matches at the Sekondi Sports Stadium Complex would be played from 5.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m and therefore advised the public to come in their numbers.
04 Jan. 08

Bosomtwe Rural Bank supports CAN 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 10:21:46 PST

Kuntanase (Ash), Jan 4, GNA – The Bosomtwe Rural Bank in the Bosomtwe-Atwima-Kwanwoma District of Ashanti Region has put in place an incentive package for its loyal customers during the on-coming Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2008).The company with its headquarters at Kuntunase near Kumasi is to provide their customers with television sets to enable them watch the CAN 208 live from the four centres during the tournament.

Mr Felix Owusu-Achiaw, Supervising Manager of the Bank,who announced this at Kuntanase, explained that the Bank was liaising with Somotex Ghana Limited and Nakani and Hagan Limited, distributors of LG electrical appliances for the setsd.He explained to the GNA Sports at Kuntanase at the weekend that interested customers of the Bank would be made to purchase the items on credit basis from the two companies to be paid on their behalf.

The Supervising Manager said the package was specifically meant for customers who were salary workers and others that the Bank has been satisfied with their performance with the beneficiaries permitted to pay it through a six-month deductions from their accounts.Mr owusu-Achiaw said that the package which was specifically designed for the CAN 2008 was on pilot basis and may be sustained depending on the outcome of the maiden one and called on all customers who would benefit to pay it promptly to enable it to be sustained.
04 Jan.08

GFA launches Black Stars’ replica jerseys

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 09:50:37 PST

Accra, Jan 4, GNA – The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has launched replica jerseys meant for supporters of the senior national team, the Black Stars.
The jerseys, which are designed in red, yellow and white colours, have the logo of the Association embossed on them.
They also have names of players embossed at the back.
Mr Kwasi Nyantakyi President of the GFA said the initiative was part of their plans to whip up support for the national team as they make another attempt at annexing the continental trophy.
He said the introduction of the jerseys was also to provide avenue for fans to identify themselves with the team, adding that the Black Stars would need the support of all to succeed in the campaign.
The GFA chairman noted that they had not made enough benefits from the sale of replica jerseys over the years due to the delay in arriving and inadequate supply by their kit sponsors.
He said, the FA, in bid to forestall that trend decided to take the initiative to introduce replica jerseys that are of the best quality and affordable to all.
Mr Nyantakyi called on all Ghanaians and support groups to patronize the products, which he said had been designed to meet the needs of the ordinary man.
The GFA warned all pirates to desist from producing jerseys with the GFA logo, adding that plans were in place to prosecute offenders.

Welcome To Ghana

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 01:46:34 PST

You are welcome to Ghana Can 2008

MTN Africa Cup Of Nations, Ghana 2008 fixture list

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:17:29 PST

GROUP STAGES

Match	Date	Time (GMT +1)	Group	Teams			Venue

01	20 Jan 2008	17h00	A	Ghana	vs	Guinea	Accra

02	21 Jan 2008	15h00	A	Namibia	vs	Morocco	Accra

03	21 Jan 2008	17h00	B	Nigeria	vs	Ivory Coast	Sekondi

04	21 Jan 2008	19h30	B	Mali	vs	Benin	Sekondi

05	22 Jan 2008	17h00	C	Egypt	vs	Cameroon	Kumasi

06	22 Jan 2008	19h30	C	Sudan	vs	Zambia	Kumasi

07	23 Jan 2008	17h00	D	Tunisia	vs	Senegal	Tamale

08	23 Jan 2008	19h30	D	South Africa	vs	Angola	Tamale

09	24 Jan 2008	17h00	A	Guinea vs	vs	Morocco	Accra

10	24 Jan 2008	19h30	A	Ghana	vs	Namibia	Accra

11	25 Jan 2008	17h00	B	Ivory Coast	vs	Benin	Sekondi

12	25 Jan 2008	19h30	B	Nigeria	vs	Mali	Sekondi

13	26 Jan 2008	17h00	C	Cameroon	vs	Zambia	Kumasi

14	26 Jan 2008	19h30	C	Egypt	vs	Sudan	Kumasi

15	27 Jan 2008	17h00	D	Senegal	vs	Angola	Tamale

16	27 Jan 2008	19h30	D	Tunisia	vs	South Africa	Tamale

17	28 Jan 2008	17h00	A	Ghana	vs	Morocco	Accra

18	28 Jan 2008	17h00	A	Guinea	vs	Namibia	Sekondi

19	29 Jan 2008	17h00	B	Nigeria	vs	Benin	Sekondi

20	29 Jan 2008	17h00	B	Ivory Coast	vs	Mali	Accra

21	30 Jan 2008	17h00	C	Egypt	vs	Zambia	Kumasi

22	30 Jan 2008	17h00	C	Cameroon	vs	Sudan	Tamale

23	31 Jan 2008	17h00	D	Tunisia	vs	Angola	Tamale

24	31 Jan 2008	17h00	D	Senegal	vs	South Africa	Kumasi

QUARTER FINALS

Match	Date	Time (GMT +1)	Teams			Venue

25	3 Feb 2008	17h00	Winner Group A	vs	2nd in Group B	Accra

26	3 Feb 2008	20h30	Winner Group B	vs	2nd in Group A	Sekondi

27	4 Feb 2008	17h00	Winner Group C	vs	2nd in Group D	Kumasi

28	4 Feb 2008	20h30	Winner Group D	vs	2nd in Group C	Tamale

SEMI FINALS

Match	Date	Time (GMT +1)	Teams			Venue

29	07 Feb 2008	17h00	Winner Match 25	vs	Winner Match 28	Accra

30	07 Feb 2008	20h30	Winner Match 26	vs	Winner Match 27	Kumasi

THIRD PLACE PLAY OFF

Match	Date	Time (GMT +1)	Teams			Venue

31	09 Feb 2008	17h00	Loser Match 29	vs	Loser Match 30	Kumasi

FINAL

Match	Date	Time (GMT +1)	Teams			Venue

32	10 Feb 2008	17h00	Winner Match 29	vs	Winner Match 30	Accra

Zambia

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 23:19:32 PST

The Chipolopolos will be making their thirteenth appearance by confirming themselves as the most consistent team in Southern Africa as Group Eleven winners. Not many have tipped them to finish first in a group that had 2010 FIFA World Cup hosts, South Africa and Congo.

But the Chipolopolos turned on the flow by stunning the Bafana Bafana 3-1 in the final group meeting. Though the two teams finished on eleven points each, the defending Cosafa Champions went through via head-to-head. Zambias only defeat in the qualifiers was 0-1 loss at home to the 1996 Champions, South Africa.

Tunisia

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 23:18:20 PST

Tunisia who won their only title as the hosts in 2004 finished second in Group Four behind surprising force, Sudan.

The Carthage Eagles thirteenth appearance had not come on a silver platter in a group that had Seychelles and Mauritius with Sudan being the biggest force. Four wins and a draw from six games was enough to guarantee the North Africans a place in the finals in Ghana. Tunisia had even sealed a place before the ultimate matches was cleared.

Sudan

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 23:00:18 PST

The Desert Hawks emerged as one of the surprise candidates for the finals of the 26th edition of Africa Cup of Nations. Sudan who last qualified for the continental event in 1976 had the resurgence of Al Hilal and Al Merrikh in club football playing a major factor in reaching their seventh final.

Not many might have tipped the Desert Hawks to topple a group that had 2004 winners, Tunisia as the favourites. Sudan beat Tunisia 3-2 to finish on 15 points, two more than the latter who grabbed one of the three second best placed teams. Doubles over lowly placed Seychelles and Mauritius played a pivotal role in the qualification of the continents biggest country.

South Africa

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:54:40 PST

The 2010 World Cup host confirmed their place at the Ghana finals as the first of three second best placed teams. The Bafana Bafana finished on eleven points but with superior goal difference despite going down to the Chipolopolos 1-3 at home in the ultimate qualifier.

For the 1996 champions, it will be their seventh participation in the continents elite competition. Carlos Alberto Parreiras team lost once during the six-match competition, which was to eventual group winners, Zambia.

Senegal

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:53:57 PST

The Teranga Lions managed to shake off a poor start to qualify for their fourth successive continental championships since 2002. They managed to wave off serious threats from Tanzania s Taifa Stars and Mambas of Mozambique to wrap up their place on the final day of the qualifiers.

The Teranga Lions hammered the Stallions of Burkina Faso 5-1 on ultimate clash to finish on eleven points, after their closest contenders, Taifa Stars went down 0-1 at home to Mozambique. Senegal whose only appearance in the last two came in Mali in 2002 is making their eleventh appearance at the finals.

Nigeria

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:53:08 PST

The Super Eagles campaign went through torrid times on their way to capturing Group threes automatic slot. It took inspiring performances from captain Nwankwo Kanu, John Utaka, Obafemi Martins among others to join the elites of African football for the converted trophy they last won in 1994.

Tipped among the forerunners on the continent, Nigeria won five out of six games to put the ambition of making fifteenth appearance of the Africa Cup of Nations a reality.

Namibia

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:52:18 PST

The Brave Warriors scaled through by causing one of the major upsets in the qualifying series against the highly favoured DR Congo. Namibia who had just qualified for the biennial event once in 1998 ensured the DR Congo missed out by claiming the solitary spot in a photo-finish from a group which had Libya and Ethiopia also in the reckoning.

The Brave Warriors beat the Walya Antelopes 3-2 in Addis Ababa to finish on ten points in the decisive match as DR Congo could only manage a one all draw with Libya in Kinshasa.

Morocco

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:51:36 PST

The Atlas Lions was the first to qualify for the 26th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. They finished as winners of Group 12 unbeaten, with Zimbabwe and Malawi as the other teams.

The Moroccans ensured that the hopes of Zimbabwes Warriors of reaching the finals to improve on their dismal performance in Egypt 2006 remained a dream. It would be the Lions 13th appearance of the finals.

Mali

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:50:45 PST

The Eagles emerged tops in what was described as one of the toughest groups in the qualifiers. The Malians had to wrestle the group only slot at the backyard of their closest contenders, Togo with a 2-0 win in the final qualifier with goals from Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute and Qatar-based Mahamadou Diallo.

It was a sweet revenge for the hosts of the 23rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations who had suffered a similar fate at the hands of their hosts during the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying series. Mali finished on 12 points to reach their fifth appearance.

Guinea

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:49:57 PST

The Syli Nationale stunned 1990 winners, Algeria to claim the Group Eight slot. The new-generation of Guinea players led by Saint- Etienne striker Pascal Feindouno were excellent in the qualification series, which included beating the Desert Warriors home and away.

The Sylis wrapped up the automatic spot on the final qualifiers with a 4-0 crushing of Cape Verde, while Algeria surprisingly lost 1-2 in Gambia. Guinea, who exited the last edition at the quarterfinals are appearing for the ninth time.

Ghana

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:49:01 PST

The Black Stars, four times champions are among the favourites for the tournament. The Stars who had a bad tournament in the last championship, Egypt 2006 is making a 16th appearance without kicking a ball.

As host, the Ghanaians are buoyant of replicating their glittery performance as debutants at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany to win the trophy for the fifth time. With great players like Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah, gifted Sulley Muntari, Asamoah Gyan, and John Mensah among others, Ghana stands a perfect chance of emulating Tunisia and Egypt as winning hosts in 2004 and 2006.

Cote d Ivoire

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 04:27:40 PST

The Elephants tiled a place at Ghana 2008 as Group One winners with a clean sheet. The 1992 Champions reigned supreme over Gabon and Madagascar in a group that was reduced to three teams following the withdrawal of Djibouti.

Led by Chelsea s prolific and inspirational striker, Didier Drogba, the Ivorians raked in thirteen goals, conceding none to ensure a seventeenth appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations. They were runners up at the last event held in Egypt where they lost through the lottery of penalties.

Cameroon

noreply@blogger.com (Nana) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 04:27:40 PST

The Indomitable Lions reached their fifteenth final unbeaten in five matches. The four-time champions only defeat was by Equatorial Guinea who posed the only serious challenge to the Egypt 2006 quarter-finalists. .

The 0-1 defeat came on the ultimate clash of the qualifying rounds. Cameroon won the group with 15 points, five better than Guinea. Rwanda and Liberia followed in that order on six and four points respectively.