... Morocco and Guinea at next year?s MTN Nations Cup outing

Namibian football officials are so determined to make good impact when the 26th MTN African Cup of Nations kicks off in Ghana next year. The country is not resting on its oars to wipe off the ?underdogs? status in the group, comprising the hosts, Ghana, Morocco and Guinea.

According to John Williams Muinjo, president of the Namibia Football Association, the Flames of Namibia would rely on their underdog status in Group A of the Ghana 2008 to qualify for the next stage of the tournament.

"It is always good to be underdogs, as there would be pressure on host nation, Ghana, Morocco and Guinea. We have already played Morocco and I think we still have a chance. We are not here to add to the numbers but to make an impact," declared Muinjo, whose Flames burnt out the Simbas of DR Congo to grab the Group A slot.

Muinjo said Namibia qualified on merit and would go all out to make their second African Cup finals a memorable event. "We played in the qualifiers and we are now in a better shape and, having qualified, we must be counted as one of the favourites to win the cup."

Reacting to the Namibia FA president's assertion, Kwesi Nyantakyi, president of the Ghana Football Association, said: "We know everything is possible in football. We don't have much information about Namibia but we won?t underrate any of the teams in this tournament.

"No team is weak in our group, though we?ve recently played Morocco. We are aware of Guinea?s high soccer standard. It?s unfortunate that they have withdrawn from the impending four-nation tournament that could have been used as a litmus test for the Black Stars," he told a Ghanaian newspaper in Accra. Nyantakyi said Ghana, as hosts of the 26th MTN African Cup of Nations, would have "very good chance of winning the tournament," adding; "we?re not underrating the strength of our opponents, especially at the group level."

Meanwhile, Guinea?s coach Robert Nouzaret has expressed his delight at getting the chance to play in the opening game. "We are delighted to get the opening game. It would not only be a compelling start, but also serve as a major motivation for my players," said the Syli Nationale coach. Nyantakyi also called on football clubs and officials to show more professionalism, fair competition and greater discipline during the new league, which kicks off on December 1.

Speaking to the media in Accra on Friday, the Ghana FA chief said they had secured sponsorship of about $2 million for the Premiership, following a scientific valuation carried out by the association, as well as a broadcast sponsorship deal yet to be announced. He noted that the FA was working tirelessly to secure a sponsor for the Division 1 League, whilst the FA Cup would also be reviewed to include Second Division clubs.

Nyantakyi added that the regional football associations had been enhanced with the provision of vehicles, while the National Colts Festival would also be revived with a sponsorship package. He disclosed that a national league for Women's football would take off after discussions had been finalised with a prospective sponsor.

On the Ghana 2008, he referred to Tunisia and Egypt, who hosted and won their 2004 and 2006 editions, respectively, and noted that GFA?s slogan: ?Host and Win?, for the Ghana 2008, should inspire the Black Stars to win the tournament.

He commended coach Claude Le Roy for guiding the Black Stars through 10 matches ? winning five, drawing two and losing two in their friendlies. He said as part of the Stars preparation for the continental football fiesta, a four-nation tournament had also been arranged for next month, after which the team would engage in a two-week camping outside the country.

Nyantakyi said a critical review had also been carried out on the Black Satellites and the team would be revamped with the Black Starlets, who placed fourth at the 2007 World Cup in South Korea. Though he was disappointed with the Black Queens performance at the recent World Cup in China, he believes the Black Princesses, who won a medal at the All African Games, would step into their shoes. He said the Under-17 and Under-14 squads of the women?s division, the Golden Damsels, would soon embark on training schedules in preparing for the first World Under-17 championship in New Zealand.