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Preperation For Mali Goes Astray

Sat, 22 Sep 2001 Source: BBC Online

Ghana's preparations for the African Nations Cup have suffered an early hitch due to a row with the top two clubs. Players from Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak made up 15 members of the home-based side who were invited to a camp, but none turned up for the four-day exercise.

Only seven players remained in camp, which was disbanded on Thursday by coach Fred Osam-Duodu.

It means the Ghana FA will have to re-think its elaborate programme of preparation.

Clubs' opposition

New FA chairman, Ben Koufie wants a home-based squad to go into camp for a few days each month, but the top clubs are against the idea, saying it could affect their league campaign.

A tour of East Africa is planned for later this year but that could be revised by the Ghana FA executive as the chase for the league title heats up between arch-rivals Kotoko and Hearts.

Ghana intend to play the Nations Cup with mostly home-based players, against South Africa, Morocco and Burkina Faso in Group B in Mali.

Already, plans for camping in Burkina Faso to acclimatise have been dropped because the two countries will clash at the Nations Cup.

Source: BBC Online