GHANA 2008: Ivory Coast- The team to watch

GHANA indeed passed the first test successfully organising the draw for the 26th African Cup of Nations- Ghana 2008. Kudos to Dr. Kofi Amoah, Rex Danquah and all those who cannot be mentioned but helped in diverse ways to make the event successful. But as we commend the organisers for a job well done, we have to learn to work within the stipulated time for the event.

Now to the CAF draw. Just as expected, it attracted journalists from all over the world and the way the LOC went about the accreditation process is something that needs to be commended. Now to the draw. Ghana's group is being touted by many as an easy group. It sounds easy (I mean when you hear the names) but none of them should be underrated. Morocco is regarded by many as the team that will give Ghana a tough opposition but I believe none of the teams in the group should be underrated. Our last group match at Egypt 2006 against Zimbabwe should be a good lesson. Namibia are making their 2nd appearance at the Nations Cup (98 being their first) but once they edged DR Congo to qualify, they need to be taken seriously. The first word that came out of my mouth when soccer legend Abedi Pele picked Ivory Coast as the last country in Group B which already had Nigeria, Mali and Benin was “what a group?”

Ivory Coast for me has the best team in Africa judging by the representation of players in the European leagues. The sheer depth of Ivorian players who have become indispensable to top European clubs makes them the team to watch. First to be mentioned is Didier Drogba the quicksilver striker who doesn't boast of flair but is an out-and-out goal scorer who is most defenders nightmare. With his strength and physique he is currently regarded as one of the leading strikers in Europe. Last season he bagged 33 goals for Chelsea, winning the Premiership's golden boot with 20 goals- all scored in open play. In the Premiership alone, there are 7 other Ivorians all playing very well for their various clubs. Didier Zokora (Tottenham Hotspur), Salomon Kalou (Chelsea), Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal) are typical examples. In a group with Nigeria, Mali and Benin, I still believe they have what it takes to top the group.

I personally feel Group C should be getting all the attention because of the fact that it's made up of 3 former winners and 1 runner up. Egypt have won the competition on 5 occasions with 2006 being the most recent when they hosted and won it. Cameroon, who are also in the same group has won it 4 times (2002 being their last triumph), Sudan also won it in 1970 and then Zambia who were losing finalists on 2 occasions. With all these, I think Group C is the toughest. Egypt and Cameroon are tipped by many pundits to qualify from their group whilst Sudan can surprise many. The Nile Crocodiles qualified for the tournament after finishing ahead of 2004 winners, Tunisia in Group 4 of the qualifying campaign. With the rise again of Sudanese football they can spring a surprise. El Merriekh and Al Hilal's performance in the CAF clubs competition say it all.

I attended the 2nd Ghana Sports Media Conference which was organised by Plus1 Media. The event had the theme Raising the standards of the sports media in Ghana. The organisation for me was splendid and the likes of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah should be commended. It's not easy to bring together all the dignitaries they assembled at the La - Palm Royal Beach Hotel. In attendance were Martin Davis (Business Development Manager, BBC and ace commentator), Durosimi Thomas (BBC), Faria Mungazi (BBC), Emmanuel Maradas (FIFA Media Committee Member), Dr. Amos Adamu (WAFU President and member of FIFA/ CAF Executive Member), Dr. Kofi Amoah (LOC Chairman, Ghana 2008), Prince Oduro-Mensah (NSC Chief Executive) and a host of others. I believe programmes like this needs to be patronized by journalists across the nation to uplift the standard of sports presentation and reportage in the country. Well done, Yaw.

Before I end this piece, I'll like to commend the LOC most especially those who worked on accreditation for the media especially Maud who assisted me and some other colleagues. We hope it continues like this during the Ghana 2008 tournament.