in Ghana

THE eleven Ugandans chosen from eleven radio stations by MTN to attend the Nations Cup finals on Saturday toured Elmina Castle, a tourist site and afterwards met Mali's team at Elmina Hotel on the Atlantic Ocean coastline. Elmina Castle was originally a trading post for goods bartered for local gold and other valuable gems.

The 11 were selected by Super FM, Simba, Buddu, Radio Kitara, Radio West, Pacis, Signal FM, Nile Broadcasting, CBS and Unity FM.
The team is led by , MTN Brand and Events Manager Aggrey Kagonyera and Olive Bbalae, the Segment Manager.

Also in the group are journalists Abbey Mukiibi (CBS) Francis Kyeyune (Super) and Fred Kaweesi New Vision).
They attended the opening match between Ghana Black Stars and Guinea are expected back in the country on Tuesday.

Elsewhere, President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal has offered his presidential jet to fly fans to watch the Teranga Lions' opening MTN Africa Nations Cup Group D match against Tunisia in Tamale on January 23.
“The supporters will travel in two groups to Tamale on January 21 and 22,” the Senegalese Sports Ministry said.

Many ordinary Africans are unable to afford airfare and road transport across West Africa's dangerous routes due to banditry. Guinea fans missed the opening match against Ghana last night when a convoy of buses supposed to ferry them was cancelled at the last minute because of concern about road safety in war-divided northern Cote D' Ivoire.

The next MTN African Nations Cup finals in Angola will start 10 days earlier than this year's edition in Ghana to give the European club some breathing space.

Meanwhile, French legend Michel Platini talked briefly to Daily Monitor but was evasive about everything. “I don't want to speculate about the outcome (of the tournament) but what is important is a good tournament to show the progress of African football. But of course I would like to thank Caf for inviting me for the tournament,” he said.