Accra, April 24, GNA - The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved the draft timetable of the matches to be played at all four venues in the 26th MTN Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of Nations. Mustapha Fahmy, the CAF General Secretary, described the draft as "positive steps and exceptionally welcome."

The draft fixtures, delivered by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) 10 clear months to the tourney proposed that all matches be played at 17:00 GMT.

The Opening Ceremony will precede the opening game slated for the national Wembley, Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra on Sunday, January 20th. Fahmy said "CAF's approval of the fixtures even at this stage of the organization of the tourney that spans January 20-February 10 affirmed the expectation that CAF already has for a very successful championship to be hosted in Ghana.

"This, in addition to all the good reports that have been received about the accelerated projects in Ghana to meet all set deadlines, suggests that Ghana is at the implementation stages of all the programmes lined up towards the commencement of the tournament in January, 2008."

CAF also approved the LOC proposal for the "celebration of the Teams' National Days, so long as it falls within the tournament's cultural programme."

Magnus Rex Danquah, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the LOC underscored the need for Ghana to rise up to the challenge in the face of the explicit confidence and trust continually being displayed by CAF.