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Sudan replaces Guinea in Four-Nation Tourney
Accra, Oct. 26, Ghanadot/GNA - The Desert Hawks of Sudan
have been confirmed as the immediate replacement for the
Syli Nationale of Guinea in next month's international
four-nation tourney to be hosted by Ghana's Black Stars.
The original countries for the four-nation tourney were made
up Guinea, the Republic of Benin and United Arab Emirates (UAE),
which was designed to prepare the Black Stars for the Ghana
2008 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Guineans however surprisingly pulled out of the
tournament after they were housed in the same group with the
Black Stars during last week's draw for the Ghana 2008
Africa Cup of Nations held in Accra.
Claude Le Roy, head coach of the Black Stars who confirmed
the new replacement to GNA Sports in an interview on Friday,
said Sudan has accepted to participate in the November 17-21
Championships.
He said the Desert Hawks are a perfect replacement for the
West Africans, considering the fact that Sudan is currently
on high peak on the continent in the football arena with
reference to the performance of Al Hilal and El-Merrikh
clubs in the MTN-CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup
respectively.
Coach Le Roy said Sudan is no mean team after finishing as
winners of Group Four of the Ghana 2008 qualifiers ahead of
2004 winners, Tunisia and should therefore not be
underestimated.
The Frenchman however added that he has little information
about the tactics of the continent's biggest country, but
noted that they will give the Stars the needed test in their
quest to win the Africa Cup of Nations for the fifth time.
Sudan, who are making a historic appearance in the finals
after a 30-year absence is paired in Group C alongside
defending champions, Egypt, four-time winners Cameroon and
Zambia.
Benin and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have also confirmed
their participation for the four-day championships expected
to roll at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra.
The Ghana 2008 CAF championship will commence on January 20
and end on February 10.
Ghana will open the championship with a tricky duel against
Guinea.
GNA
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