Ghana avoid Nations Cup big guns

Hosts Ghana are in a favourable group for the tournament

Hosts Ghana will play Guinea in the opening match of the 2008 African Nations Cup finals.

Ghana were placed in Group A in Accra with Guinea, Morocco and Namibia in Friday's draw.

"We are delighted to get the opening game, it will make for a compelling start," Guinea coach Robert Nouzaret told reporters.

"It will serve as a major motivation for my players."

Holders Egypt's hopes of a record sixth title will be tested by Cameroon, Sudan and Zambia in Group C.

Nigeria and Ivory Coast were paired in Group B along with Benin and Mali, meaning Berti Vogts (Nigeria) will be up against fellow German coach Uli Stielike (Ivory Coast).

Group B was due to be staged in Tamale in the north of Ghana but Confederation of African Football (CAF) general secretary Mustapha Fahmy said the venue was being moved to Sekondi which is nearer the Ghana-Ivorian border.

CAF said they were able to change venues to attract more fans.

Tunisia, winners in 2004, are up against Angola, Senegal and 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa in Group D.

"I think the groups are all very well balanced and there is plenty of scope for surprises," said Henryk Kasperczak, the Polish-born coach of Senegal.

The draw was conducted by three-times African Footballer of the Year Abedi Pele and former France World Cup winner Marcel Desailly, born in Ghana.

The tournament starts on 20 January.

DRAW

Group A (Accra)
Ghana
Namibia
Guinea
Morocco

Group B (Sekondi)
Nigeria
Benin
Mali
Ivory Coast

Group C (Kumasi)
Egypt
Sudan
Zambia
Cameroon

GROUP D (Tamale)
Tunisia
Angola
South Africa
Senegal