Sports News of Friday, 20 January 2012

Source: AP

Ghana arrives in Libreville

LIBREVILLE, Gabon)—Title contender Ghana has arrived in Gabon for the African Cup of Nations, touching down in the capital Libreville late Friday before transferring to its base in the country’s second city, Franceville.

Ghana plays underdog and debutante Botswana in its opening match in Group D on Tuesday before tougher tests against Mali and Guinea, all at Stade de Franceville.

Coach Goran Stevanovic’s team, which has been tipped as the strongest challenger to favorite Ivory Coast, completed its preparations with a 2-0 win over South African club side Platinum Stars on Wednesday.

Ghana is a four-time African Cup winner but hasn’t claimed a continental title for 30 years.

Niger also arrived in Libreville on Friday ahead of its first game against co-host Gabon in Group C