CAF to inspect Ghana's Nations Cup facilities again

ACCRA (Reuters) - A third inspection of Ghana's facilities for the 2008 African Nations Cup finals will be made by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) later this month, the Ghana Football Association said on Friday.

The visit comes despite assurances from CAF president Issa Hayatou that he was confident Ghana would be ready to host the tournament.

The Ghana FA said concerns had been raised over the slow development of the four venues in Accra, Kumasi, Sekondi and Tamale.

In an interview released by CAF, Hayatou said he was happy with the progress of work and blamed the media for raising concerns.

"As soon as we grant hosting rights of the Nations Cup finals to a country, journalists start publishing stories saying the host country is behind schedule," he said.

"For us there are no worries about a successful organisation of the 2008 Nations Cup finals in Ghana."

Hayatou reiterated CAF's determination to continue hosting the three-week tournament at the beginning of the year, despite opposition from European clubs who lose players in the middle of their domestic season.

"As regards the timing of the Nations Cup finals, we at CAF are crystal clear," said Hayatou.

"In Africa we have too much talent but no sporting facilities. Everybody knows it is thanks to the Nations Cup our continent gets new facilities."

The 16-team tournament will be played from January 20 to February 10.

Hayatou said he was confident African sides would perform well at the forthcoming World Cup in Germany.

"I'm not saying we are going to win the World Cup or we shall not be beaten," he said. "But the African sides will give an honourable performance.

"They have a lot of talent."

Five African teams, including Ghana, have qualified for the World Cup.