Stars settle on Abu Dhabi for AFCON camp

Accra, Nov. 7, GNA – Ghana's Black Stars will pitch their training camp for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital of Abu Dhabi..

According to the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the team will fine-tune their preparations for the 29th edition of the continental flagship football event in the gulf state from 7-16 January, 2013.

The GFA says it opted for the Middle East against Ethiopia and Kenya due to the excellent facilities available comparable to South Africa, hosts of next year's Africa Cup of Nations.

“We settled on the UAE because of the excellent facilities comparable to what is in South Africa for the Cup of Nations.

“The camping in the UAE will give our players the necessary concentration to prepare for the tournament. The UAE camping venue is also a good place for us to host friendly matches before the competition which is also key for our preparation,” said President Kwesi Nyantakyi.

Before leaving for the Arabian nation, the Black Stars will hold a four-day non-residential camp in Accra from 2-6 January, 2013.

Ghana are drawn in Group B alongside DR Congo, Mali and Niger.

The Stars pitched camp in the UAE prior to the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, where they managed bronze on home soil.

GNA