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December 15 – Angolan officials have dismissed fears that the country will not be ready to host the African Nations Cup, which is due to kick-off on January 10.
The Government has reportedly spent more than $1 billion (£615 million) building four new stadiums in Luanda, Benguela, Lubango and Cabinda, and on repairing infrastructure largely destroyed by 27 years of civil war which ended only in 2002.
It has been claimed that the flagship stadium in the capital Luanda will not be ready in time and that the pitch will not be up to international standards.
Tickets also still have to go on sale for the tournament involving 16 countries featuring some of the world’s best players, including Chelsea’s Didier Drogba and Michael Essien.
But Public Works Minister Higinio Carneiro claimed there is nothing to worry about.
He told AFP: ”The stadiums will be ready.
“They’re practically ready now…there will not be any difficulty hosting the tournament in January.
“We’re just dealing with a few aspects now, mainly at the Luanda Stadium (pictured), things like the external and parking areas, but this is all ongoing and the stadiums will be ready at the end of this month.”
There are also fears that it will be difficult for foreign visitors to find affordable accommodation in Luanda, where some hotels are charging $600 (£369) a night.
The southern African country was awarded the tournament in September 2006 when they beat off the challenge of Libya, Nigeria and a joint Gabon-Equatorial Guinea bid.
The tournament begins on January 10 with the opening ceremony and first game between Angola and Mali in Luanda, where the final will also be played three weeks later on January 31.
Egypt are the defending champions having beaten Cameroon 1-0 in Ghana two years ago to claim a record sixth title.
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