African Nations Cup: Ghana in tough group

It promises to be a tough opening matches for Nigeria and Ghana, co-hosts of the 22nd Nationss Cup as the draws of the continent's most prominent football competition pitched the two West African countries against crack teams.

At the end of the yesterday exercise in Lagos, Ghana was drawn in group A in Accra with Cameroun, Cote d' Ivoire and Togo. Nigeria also has to contend with Tunisia, Morocco and Congo Democratic Republic in group D, with centre in Lagos.

In group B with centre in Kumasi are South Africa, Gabon, Algeria and Congo while group C teams with Kano as centre are Egypt, Zambia, Burkina Faso and Senegal.

A close look at the pairing showed that Ghana and Cameroon will open hostilities in Accra, just as Nigeria will battle Tunisia in the second opening match slated for National Stadium, Lagos.

The draws which started behind scheduled was ably handled by top officials of Confederation of African Football, Alhaji Issa Hayatou, president and Mustapha Fahmy, secretary general. They were, however, assisted by three prominent players and one former international footballer. They are Nigeria's Tijjani Babangida and Gabriel Okolosi as well as Mohammed Gargo of Ghana and ex-Super Eagles star, Sylvanus Okpala.

The draws was attended by Nigeria's Vice President Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, former vice president Vice Admiral Augustus Aikhomu and Sports Minister Damishi Sango among other CAF and government bigwigs.

Group A, Accra [GHA]: Ghana Cameroon Ivory Coast Togo

Group B, Kumasi [GHA]: South Africa Gabon Algeria Congo D.R.

Group C, Kano [NIG]: Egypt Zambia Burkina Faso Senegal

Group D, Lagos [NIG]: Nigeria Tunisia Morocco Congo