Ghana sure to win Afcon bid

Ghana’s fate as AFCON 2017 host will be decided by the CAF Executive Committee today as it runs neck and neck with Gabon and Algeria in a dicey photo-finish for the enviable slot.

As at press time yesterday, Graphic Sports investigations pointed to a clear lead by Gabon following its strong links with the top hierarchy of CAF.

However, a source close to Ghana’s bid committee revealed that Ghana was also putting in a last minute effort to gain some grounds and turn the tide in her favour.

To ensure victory, a powerful Ghanaian delegation led by the Minister of Youth and Sports (MoYS), Dr Mustapha Ahmed, arrived in Cairo to embark on serious lobbying of CAF executives in a frantic bid to turn the tide in its favour.

The delegation, which included bid committee chairman, Ernest Thompson, Lepowura M.N.D. Jawula, former Minister Mahama Ayariga, Chief Director at the MoYS Abudulai Yakubu, Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, Magnus Rex Danquah and Randy Abbey, was scheduled to meet CAF president, Issa Hayatou, yesterday ahead of today’s voting.

The team’s efforts are said to have been greatly enhanced by the presence of GFA president, Kwesi Nyantakyi, who is currently attending the 37th CAF Congress in Egypt.

Gabon co-hosted the AFCON with Equatorial Guinea in 2012, while Ghana last hosted the event in 2008.

Algeria, on the other hand, hosted and won the Africa Nations Cup in 1990.