Ghana Opts To Stay Put At Cabinda

The Ghana Football Association says the Black Stars will be competing in Cabinda despite events of the past two days in edgy region.

Ghana’s team at the competition has been assured of total security in the wake of last Friday’s terror attack on group opponents, Togo.

The FA had requested for a comprehensive security arrangement to guarantee the safety of their delegation in Angola before and throughout their stay in the Angolan enclave of Cabinda.

Prior to the meeting, Ghana was given a frightening description by the Togolese team in their moment of terror when the Black Stars visited the Hawks to empathize with them after Friday’s attack.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) together with the LOC and local government officials met the Ghanaians team on Saturday of discuss matters bordering on security.

FA President, Kwesi Nyantakyi told www.ghanafa.org that it was imperative for the issue to be discussed and arrangements known to restore calm and confidence in the Ghanaian side. “The entire Ghanaian delegation on Saturday had a meeting with the CAF, the local organizers [LOC] and government on the critical issue of security which has come to the fore following the deadly attack on Togo team.

“Every member in our delegation needed to be fully assured to their safety and the arrangements put in place. “It was a good and frank meeting where everyone interacted. The players were also involved. We can only hope that the arrangements put in place helps to prevent another unfortunate incident throughout our stay here [Cabinda],” the FA President said.

“We will be playing match is against the stricken Togolese side in Cabinda, today. Togo have revoked their earlier intention to pull out of the competition after the deadly attack on their team bus on Friday in Cabinda. The attack by separatist rebels left at least three dead and many injured, and led the team being called back to Lome by the Togolese government.

But after pleas by the Angolan Prime Minister Paulo Kassoma and CAF, the Hawks chose to remain.

Source: The Ghanaian Times/Ghana