| It's
hell for Ghana
…Namibia vow to shock hosts, Morocco and Guinea
at next year’s MTN Nations Cup outing
By CHIMAOBI UCHENDU
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
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Photo: Sun News Publishing |
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Namibian football officials are so determined to make good
impact when the 26th MTN African Cup of Nations kicks off
in Ghana next year. The country is not resting on its oars
to wipe off the ‘underdogs’ status in the group,
comprising the hosts, Ghana, Morocco and Guinea.
According to John Williams Muinjo, president of the Namibia
Football Association, the Flames of Namibia would rely on
their underdog status in Group A of the Ghana 2008 to qualify
for the next stage of the tournament.
"It is always good to be underdogs, as there would be
pressure on host nation, Ghana, 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 Muinjo, whose Flames burnt out the Simbas of DR Congo
to grab the Group A slot.
Muinjo said Namibia qualified on merit and would go all out
to make their second African Cup finals a memorable event.
"We played in the qualifiers and we are now in a better
shape and, having qualified, we must be counted as one of
the favourites to win the cup."
Reacting to the Namibia FA president's assertion, Kwesi Nyantakyi,
president of the Ghana Football Association, said: "We
know everything is possible in football. We don't have much
information about Namibia but we won’t underrate any
of the teams in this tournament.
"No team is weak in our group, though we’ve recently
played Morocco. We are aware of Guinea’s high soccer
standard. It’s unfortunate that they have withdrawn
from the impending four-nation tournament that could have
been used as a litmus test for the Black Stars," he told
a Ghanaian newspaper in Accra.
Nyantakyi said Ghana, as hosts of the 26th MTN African Cup
of Nations, would have "very good chance of winning the
tournament," adding; "we’re not underrating
the strength of our opponents, especially at the group level."
Meanwhile, Guinea’s coach Robert Nouzaret has expressed
his delight at getting the chance to play in the opening game.
"We are delighted to get the opening game. It would not
only be a compelling start, but also serve as a major motivation
for my players," said the Syli Nationale coach.
Nyantakyi also called on football clubs and officials to show
more professionalism, fair competition and greater discipline
during the new league, which kicks off on December 1.
Speaking to the Statesports in Accra on Friday, the Ghana
FA chief said they had secured sponsorship of about $2 million
for the Premiership, following a scientific valuation carried
out by the association, as well as a broadcast sponsorship
deal yet to be announced.
He noted that the FA was working tirelessly to secure a sponsor
for the Division 1 League, whilst the FA Cup would also be
reviewed to include Second Division clubs.
Nyantakyi added that the regional football associations had
been enhanced with the provision of vehicles, while the National
Colts Festival would also be revived with a sponsorship package.
He disclosed that a national league for Women's football would
take off after discussions had been finalised with a prospective
sponsor.
On the Ghana 2008, he referred to Tunisia and Egypt, who hosted
and won their 2004 and 2006 editions, respectively, and noted
that GFA’s slogan: ‘Host and Win’, for the
Ghana 2008, should inspire the Black Stars to win the tournament.
He commended coach Claude Le Roy for guiding the Black Stars
through 10 matches – winning five, drawing two and losing
two in their friendlies.
He said as part of the Stars preparation for the continental
football fiesta, a four-nation tournament had also been arranged
for next month, after which the team would engage in a two-week
camping outside the country.
Nyantakyi said a critical review had also been carried out
on the Black Satellites and the team would be revamped with
the Black Starlets, who placed fourth at the 2007 World Cup
in South Korea.
Though he was disappointed with the Black Queens performance
at the recent World Cup in China, he believes the Black Princesses,
who won a medal at the All African Games, would step into
their shoes.
He said the Under-17 and Under-14 squads of the women’s
division, the Golden Damsels, would soon embark on training
schedules in preparing for the first World Under-17 championship
in New Zealand.
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