DUROSIMI THOMAS, ACCRA

Football-mad fans of African Nations Cup co-hosts Ghana watched the Black Stars defeat Tunisia 2-0 in violation of a CAF ban. About 20,000 crashed into the Accra Sports Stadium for the friendly match, despite CAF's decision to bar journalists and spectators.

No reasons were given for the ban, although speculation was rife that the speedy conclusion of work at the venue for the opening ceremony in three days time has been a concern to CAF.

The CAF ban may have denied some fans the opportunity to watch the Black Stars play their first international fixture at home since a pre-dominantly home-based side defeated Jamaica 2-1 six months ago.

Sporting Lisbon striker Kwame Ayew rounded off Ghana's Nations Cup preparations, scoring twice in the second half after he was introduced as one of nine substitues. Ghana lost to Tunisia by the same score on December 22.

Ghana open the Nations Cup on Saturday against Cameroon, while Tunisia are leaving for Lagos, where they are billed to clash with joint hosts Nigeria the following day.