All eyes on Ghana 2008

THE home nations’ failure to qualify for Euro 2008, means for many communities across the United Kingdom there is now just one international football tournament worth getting excited about – the African Cup of Nations in Ghana.

Africa’s finest footballers will converge on Ghana, from January 20 – February 10, for one of the most eagerly anticipated Cup of Nations in the 51-year history of the tournament.

Africa’s football heavyweights Nigeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Ghana and reigning champions Egypt will compete to be crowned as the continent’s finest.

Speaking to the Voice of Sport, former Ghana captain and the current Director of Football at the Ghana Football Federation, Anthony Baffoe, encouraged fans to make to the trip to West Africa.

“I’d encourage fans to come and sample the great hospitality Ghana has to offer. We want the football to build a bridge for people to come and see Africa.

“On the football side, the government has built four European class stadiums that will provide a great stage for the coming together of so many world class players and for fans to enjoy the games comfortably.”

Baffoe feels the tournament has a far greater significance than three weeks of football. He believes a successful Cup of Nations will highlight the capabilities of African countries to host major international sporting events in the future.

“We see this African Cup of Nations as being particularly important as the world’s eyes will want to see how an African country organises a big football tournament, ahead of the World Cup 2010 in South Africa.

“We know we have to deliver a great tournament and we have no doubts that we will show the world that Ghana and Africa is ready to host major international tournaments regularly.”

The tournament will see Premier League stars including Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Aiyegbeni Yakubu, Kolo Toure, Geremi, El Hadji Diouf, Obafemi Martins, John Obi Mikel, Papa Bouba Diop, Didier Zokora, Diomansy Kamara and Sulley Muntari proudly representing their homelands. Other names to look out for include Barcelona megastar Samuel Eto’o, Real Madrid midfield maestro, Mahamadou Diarra, and Seville hotshot, Fredi Kanoute

Thousands of football fans from across the world will be making the trip to Ghana and the good news is there is still time to book flights, accommodation and tickets for games are available for as little as £2.

Useful websites
Tournament news
Get online for all the latest news from the tournament that you can trust. This website is managed by the Ghana Organising Committee and includes ticket prices.

African Cup of Nations Official - http://www.ghanacan2008.com

Getting there
Return flights to Ghana from £400. For competitive prices check out these sites.

• Ghana International Airlines - http://www.fly-ghana.com
• British Airways – http://www.ba.com
• Cheap flights - http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/flights/Accra/

Hotels and accommodation
Most travel guides say you should expect to pay between £20 - £40 per night for 3 and 4-star accommodation in Ghana. If you can’t live without your 5 star luxury then expect to be paying £60 and upwards.

For those on a tight budget check out some of the Guest Houses where you can pay as little as £10 a night.

• Ghana Hotels - http://www.ghanahotels.com
• South Travels - http://www.southtravels.com/africa/ghana/
• All Hotels - http://www.all-hotels.com

Modern Ghana, Ghana Home, Resource Center gives daily updates News, Sports, Facts, Opinions, Ghana radio, Chat Room, Ghana Movies, etc.

Modern Ghana - http://www.modernghana.com