DUROSIMI THOMAS, ACCRA
Fans in Accra will be barred from the Black Stars’ last African Nations Cup warm-up game, against Tunisia, says the Ghana Football Association.
The game takes place on January 18 at the Accra Sports Stadium, the venue for the opening match of the finals – between Ghana and Cameroon – four days later.
The GFA said that CAF, the African governing body, wanted journalists and spectators kept away from the match, but further reasons were not given.
Speculation is rife, however, that CAF took the decision to ensure the speedy conclusion of work at the stadium. Last August, CAF president, Issa Hayatou condemned Ghana’s pitches, saying they were below international standards.
But CAF have approved the staging of the Nations Cup in Ghana, following an inspection of facilities last week.
Egypt, meanwhile, have cancelled their friendly against the Black Stars on Saturday at Cape Coast.
