Accra, Dec 23, GNA - Ghana's local Black Stars have been named as one of the two seeds for the draw of the maiden edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The draw for the competition designed exclusively for local based players' will take place on Friday, December 26 in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.

Information gathered by GNA Sports from the headquarters of the continent's soccer governing body, Confederation of African Football (CAF) indicates that Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire have been seeded for the draw.

Cote d'Ivoire were named automatic seeds as hosts, whilst Ghana was considered by virtue of being the highest ranked African team in the FIFA rankings among the countries that qualified. The Stars are ranked 25th according to the latest FIFA rankings released last week.

The other qualified teams made up Libya, Senegal, DR Congo, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe are all ranked below the Stars. The Stars to be housed in Group B will be based in Bouake, the second largest city in Cote d'Ivoire whilst Group A pits its camp in Abidjan, the national capital. The source added that Zambia and Zimbabwe will be drawn in separate zones because they are both from the Southern Zone. CAF President, Issa Hayatou is expected to grace the occasion. The first African Nations Championship (CHAN) will be held in Cote d'Ivoire from February 22 to March 8 2009.