President John Agyekum Kufuor of Ghana on Sunday opened the 26th edition of the African Cup of Nations in Accra amidst display of rich Ghanaian and African culture.
The president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Issa Hayatou ushered in President Kufuor to the podium amid applause from soccer fans that had thronged the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in Accra to watch the opening of the 16-nation tournament.
Speaking at the function, President Kufuor called on foreign investors to partner Africa in sports because the continent was rich in talented footballers.
He said the CAF championship has gained popularity among Africans, taking into consideration the way and manner sister nations competed for the coveted trophy.
He noted that the championships had also fostered friendship, unity and solidarity among Africans.
He commended FIFA President, Joseph Sepp Blatter, for contributing to the hosting of the tournament.
The chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Dr. Kofi Amoah, said Africa was no more a dark continent and that it can use sports as one of the tools for socio-economic development.
Among the dignitaries present at the opening were the FIFA president Sepp Blatter, the African Union commission chairman, Alpha Oumar Konare, and several other African and non-African leaders.
In the opening match of the tournament which followed the opening ceremony, Ghana, the hosts defeated Guinea by two goals to one, in an exciting encounter.
Credit: APA, Dakar.
Photo: President Kufuor of Ghana.
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