Ghana to play Namibia on January 4

Ghana have booked a friendly with Namibia on January 4, 2014 in Windhoek as part of preparations for the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals in South Africa.

The Local Black Stars will be camping in Namibia from December 23, 2013 to acclimatise before the second-tier Nations Cup reserved for local-based players takes off. GFA executive member Fred Pappoe is already in Namibia to conclude logistics ahead of the team’s arrival.

“They (Ghana) are our good football friends and the ties between these two countries go a long way. So when we approached them to come and camp here ahead of their CHAN adventure, they did not hesitate,” Namibia FA president John Muinjo told The Namibian. “They are coming to Namibia and part of the agreement is that the two national teams will play each other on 4 January in Windhoek.”

He noted: “It is important that we engage other African countries and keep our coach busy with his players as well. We are pleased to have a good relationship with the Ghana Football Association and ahead of the World Cup, we are looking at further friendlies against two national teams. I'm happy we are honouring our relationship.”

Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti is expected to name his squad against Maxwell Konadu’s side later this week.

The Local Black Stars will be at their CHAN base in Bloemfontein on January 8. They have been paired with Libya, Ethiopia and Congo in Group C. The tournament’s third edition takes place between 11 January and 1 February 2014.