Ohene Djan Stadium ready to host four-nation tourney

Accra, Oct 1, GNA - Jimmy Castagna, Technical Directors of Micheletti and Company, the main contractors undertaking the reconstruction of the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in Accra has given the assurance that the venue will be ready to host next month's international four-nation tournament

Ghana's Black Stars are scheduled to play host to Guinea, the Republic of Benin and the United Arab Emirates in a four-nation tournament from November 17-21 as part of preparations for the Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.

The four-day tourney has been fixed for the Ohene Djan stadium in Accra and the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

Speaking to the GNA Sports after a brief inspection of facilities at the national stadium on Monday, Mr Castagna explained that the venue is 90 percent complete as his outfit is within schedule. The Italian firm is expected to officially hand-over the venue to the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday, October 31, however the Technical Director allayed fears of the public and insisted that they are on course. "We are not worried as we are within schedule."

Mr Castagna explained that the pitch has reached a maintenance stage where the grass is cut would be every 48hours to keep it in shape for the January 20 - February 10, 2008 Championships with the stands fully set.

According to the Technical Director the goal posts will be fixed in the next few days.

A State-of-the-art video scoreboard has been installed as well as the floodlights, which was commissioned last week.

The Italian contractor added that facilities such as the media centres, changing rooms, doping centre, massaging rooms as well as the VIP Lounge would be fully addressed in the coming days.

The Ohene Djan Sports Stadium is one of four venues earmarked for the 26th edition of the continent's showpiece soccer event. It will host the opening ceremony and the final game.