Guinness Ghana Limited, sponsors of the senior national team, the Black Stars, on Thursday presented a sponsorship package of

450 million cedis towards the team's preparation for the African Cup of Nations competition scheduled for Mali in January.

At a brief ceremony at the Accra Sports Stadium which had Michael Power, the hero of Guinness commercials as the guest of honour, Mr Fredrick Blasu, marketing manager said of the total sponsorship package 200 million cedis would go to the Stars whiles the rest would be used for television coverage of matches of the tournament.

He explained that of the 200 million cedis, 100 million cedis would be spent on preparation of the team while the balance would be used to cover bonuses of the players based on the performance of the team.

Mr Blasu said Guinness would give the team 25 million cedis if they win their semi final encounter and another 75 million cedis if the win the cup.He said in addition to the financial contribution, the company would also clothe the team throughout the tournament.

Mr Edward Osei Kwaku, Minister of Youth and sports thanked Guinness for its efforts in promoting sports in the country especially the Black Stars. He commended the package, which, he said, has seen a remarkable increase as compared to pervious years.

In a training match, the Black Stars beat Alhaji Maikano's African Stars 3-1 with Ishmael Addo, Prince Amoako and Charles Taylor scoring for the national team.