African Nations Cup Finals Draw
Egypt face a tough start to their defence of the African Nations Cup as they meet Cameroon in their opening group game following the draw for the 2008 tournament on Friday.
The tournament will kick off with hosts Ghana taking on Guinea in Accra as the competition begins on Sunday, 20th January.
The Black Stars, who made a positive impact at the 2006 World Cup, beating Czech Republic and USA on their route to the knockout stages, will also take on Morocco and Namibia. It’s a group that should see Ghana, with star names such as Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien and Fenerbahce star Stephen Appiah, progress without two many problems.
Group B sees a battle between German coaches Uli Stielike and Berti Vogts as Ivory Coast, another team who impressed at last years World Cup, face Nigeria. Benin and a Freddie Kanoute backed Mali complete what should be a tough group.
Five-time winners Egypt face Cameroon in Kumasi on January 22, with Sudan and Zambia the other teams drawn in Group C.
The “Group of Death” seems to be Group D as it features 2004 champions Tunisia, who kick off their campaign against 2002 World Cup 1/4 finalists Senegal. The other two teams in the group are Angola, another qualifier for the 2006 World Cup and 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa, who will be looking to build momentum ahead of their big moment in 2010.
Both semi-finals are scheduled for Thursday February 7, with the final in Accra on Sunday February 10.
Draw for 2008 African Nations Cup finals, Ghana (20 January - 10 February):
Group A (Accra): Ghana, Morocco, Namibia, Guinea.
Group B (Sekondi): Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Benin, Mali.
Group C (Kumasi): Egypt, Cameroon, Sudan, Zambia.
Group D (Tamale): Tunisia, Angola, South Africa, Senegal.
