Ghana to play Tunisia friendly ahead of 2013 Nations Cup

Ghana will engage the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in a build up game to fine-tune preparations for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

The friendly, according to Kwesi Nyantakyi, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) is billed for Sunday, January 13 in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

He said “as part of our preparations for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, we have agreed to play Tunisia in a friendly in January in Abu Dhabi where Ghana will be camping for the tournament.

“We want to leave no stone unturned in our preparation so a match against one of the top sides in Africa like Tunisia will give the Black Stars the needed test for the Nations Cup.”

Both countries are among the 15 joining hosts South Africa to see who dethrones the Chipolopolo of Zambia as the continental kings during the three-week gathering that starts on January 19 next year.

Information pieced together by the GNA Sports indicates that the North Africans are also billed to hold their pre-tournament camp in United Arab Emirates (UAE). The last meeting between the two sides was at the quarter final of the 2012 edition which the Stars won 2-1.

Ghana, pitted in Group B with DR Congo, Mali and Niger has hinted at playing two friendly games during the Abu Dhabi camping expected to last nine days.

The hint was contained in a pre-tournament and tournament proposed budget the GFA submitted to the Ministry of Youth and Sports a fortnight ago. In the budget, the latter allocated $100,000 as appearance fee for their friendly opponents.

With the Tunisia game finalized, the GFA is expected to fashion out another opposition for their second friendly as specified in the budget.

Ghana, four-time champions will chase a fifth continental glory at the showpiece event after several failed attempts.

Source: GNA