Kumasi, (Ashanti Region) 24 Feb. '99,

Mr Kojo Yankah, Ashanti Regional Minister last night hosted players and officials taking part in the Africa Under-20 Youth championships at a cocktail party at the residency in Kumasi. The are from Zambia, Malawi, Guinea and Nigeria in group B.

Mr Yankah lauded the promotion of football at the youth level and said it has great prospects for the improvement of football on the continent. He commended the teams for the keenness of the competition so far and expressed the hope that the players and officials would abide by the rules of the competition, which he said, is fair play. The Regional Minister described Ashanti as the cradle of Ghana's rich culture and nerve-centre of commercial activities and wished them an enjoyable stay in Kumasi. "You will be treated to the much cherished Ghanaian hospitality"' he added.

Meanwhile, the competition continues tomorrow with matches involving Malawi and Nigeria and Guinea and Zambia. Zambia beat Malawi 1-0 in the opening group "B" match while Nigeria licked Guinea 4-3. At a post-match interview, Guinean Coach Ousmane Diop attributed his team's defeat to lack of concentration and said he is working seriously to pluck the loop-holes. The free-scoring Flying Eaglets have won the admiration of the soccer fans with their free-flowing football and have been tipped to beat Malawi who lost 0-1 to Zambia in their opening match