Accra, Oct. 26, GNA - The Desert Hawks of Sudan have been confirmed as the immediate replacement for the Syli Nationale of Guinea in next month's international four-nation tourney to be hosted by Ghana's Black Stars.

The original countries for the four-nation tourney were made up Guinea, the Republic of Benin and United Arab Emirates (UAE), which was designed to prepare the Black Stars for the Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Guineans however surprisingly pulled out of the tournament after they were housed in the same group with the Black Stars during last week's draw for the Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of Nations held in Accra. Claude Le Roy, head coach of the Black Stars who confirmed the new replacement to GNA Sports in an interview on Friday, said Sudan has accepted to participate in the November 17-21 Championships. He said the Desert Hawks are a perfect replacement for the West Africans, considering the fact that Sudan is currently on high peak on the continent in the football arena with reference to the performance of Al Hilal and El-Merrikh clubs in the MTN-CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup respectively.

Coach Le Roy said Sudan is no mean team after finishing as winners of Group Four of the Ghana 2008 qualifiers ahead of 2004 winners, Tunisia and should therefore not be underestimated. The Frenchman however added that he has little information about the tactics of the continent's biggest country, but noted that they will give the Stars the needed test in their quest to win the Africa Cup of Nations for the fifth time.

Sudan, who are making a historic appearance in the finals after a 30-year absence is paired in Group C alongside defending champions, Egypt, four-time winners Cameroon and Zambia.

Benin and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have also confirmed their participation for the four-day championships expected to roll at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra.

The Ghana 2008 CAF championship will commence on January 20 and end on February 10.

Ghana will open the championship with a tricky duel against Guinea.