... of Stars Ghana 2008 team
Accra, Jan 10, GNA - Ghana's preparation for the 26th MTN African Cup of Nations has been dealt a big blow with ten days to the commencement of the biennial event.

Coach Claude Le Roy has been forced to exclude experienced striker, Mathew Amoah and defender, Daniel Opare from the 23-man squad to be named later today due to injuries.

Both players are out with groin injuries.

Randy Abbey, Communications Direction of the Ghana Football Association told GNA Sports that Le Roy has subsequently called Kofi Amponsah as replacement for the Ashantigold defender who was on his debut with the Black Stars.

Amponsah is expected to join the team in camp by Friday baring any unforeseen hiccup.

The defender who was originally omitted from the squad is said to be struggling with visa acquisition to join his colleagues in Abu Dhabi. The Ghanaians have pitched camp in the commercial capital of the United Arab Emirate (UAE) since last week. Amoah was part of the team that faltered in the last championship in Egypt but went ahead to glitter at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. Ghana begins the competition against Guinea in an opener billed for the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra on January 20.

Both teams are pitted alongside Morocco and Namibia in Group A.