Sekondi, Jan.18, GNA - The soccer fever towards the Ghana 2008 African Cup of Nations tournament has continued to rise in the twin-city of Sekondi-Takoradi as many more people are pouring onto the streets and other public places wearing "T" shirts and other paraphernalia in the national colours to signify the fans' readiness for the tournament. Hundred of private and commercial vehicles including taxis can be seen flying the national flags whilst business in the sale of bungles, mufflers, handkerchiefs, neck and wrist chains, miniature flags and footballs and other items mostly in the national colours is on the increase and booming.

Most of the fans in the twin-city who spoke to the GNA Sports on Friday said their main interest concerns the opening match between the Black Stars and their Guinean counterparts on Sunday at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in Accra.

They believe that half of the task for the success of the Black Stars to win the Cup would be achieved if they are able to account for the Guineans.

"A win for the Stars in the opening match will be a big morale booster towards winning the ultimate", Akosua Fremaa, a teacher told the to watch the first group "B" matches of the tournament at the Essipon stadium near Sekondi.

The first game is between the Green Eagles of Nigeria and the Elephants of Cote D'Ivoire while Mali and Benin would cross swords in the second match later in the day.

In a related development, parts of the outside perimeter of the multi-million dollar stadium that was commissioned by President Kufour on Sunday got flooded after a downpour on Wednesday. Fans have therefore called on the contractors of external works at the stadium to put up remedial measures to find early solution to the problem before the rains set in.

Meanwhile, local media houses as at Friday are yet to be get their accreditation from the Local Organising Committee to enable them cover the tournament. 18 Jan. 08