The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the Ghana 2008, Dr. Kofi Amoah, has advised football fans hoping to watch the Black Stars tournament opening encounter with the Syli Nationale of Guinea at the Ohene Djan Stadium to be seated by 2:30pm. The gates would be closed after the time, he told Joy FM when he spoke with Kwaku Sakyi Addo on the Front Page on Friday morning. He explained that even though the game kicks off at 5pm, which time has been printed on match tickets, anyone depending on that will be disappointed because Sunday also marks the opening ceremony which shortly precedes the game. Dr. Amoah said the early gate closure is to ensure orderliness. Meanwhile he has also promised the football public of an elaborate and interesting opening ceremony, for which all gymnasts have had enough rehearsals. Meanwhile the Black Stars coach, Claude Le Roy has called on Ghanaian soccer fans not to harbour any fears that the absence of skipper Stephen Appiah from the squad would negatively affect the team in their matches during the MTN African Cup of Nations games. According to a report carried by The Statesman, the coach says "Though his absence would be much felt,” he has young and enthusiastic players, as well as equally experienced players who will close up the gap to ensure victory. He said: "The current stock of the Black Stars is made up of talented and skilful young players, who will blend with their experienced colleagues to achieve success for themselves and the nation". He said players like Andre Dede Ayew, Anthony Annan, Ahmed Barusso, Haminu Dramani, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, Kwadwo Asamoah and Bernard Kumodzi were capable of stepping into the shoes of Appiah and others. "They can perform well if given the opportunity and support by the fans". The Frenchman noted that the two-week training programme in the United Arab Emirates had not only strengthened the team but also psychologically boosted the morale of the players. "We had wonderful training sessions under excellent weather conditions". According to Le Roy, his team for the tournament would be made up of a number of players who would be making their debut at the continental tournament and "this will be another motivation for them". Le Roy who holds the record of being the foreign coach to have played at most finals of the African Nations Cup, said he was confident the Black Stars would win the trophy and go make it into the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. In separate interviews with the press, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie who was elated at being included in the senior national team, quipped: "I feel honoured to wear the Black Stars' jersey after a long battle with FIFA to determine my nationality status". Andre Dede Ayew, the youngest player in the Ghana squad, remarked: "This is the time for me to prove that I'm matured enough to be included in the national senior team. I thank the coach for granting me this wonderful opportunity to wear the Black Stars jersey. I'll give of my best ... I won't disappoint my fans". Speaking exclusively to The Statesman, Laryea Kingston said though the team would feel the absence of Stephen Appiah, "I strongly believe that we have other good players who can perform beautifully to enable us win the cup". Michael Essien also assured: "I'm going to prove to the whole world that I'm currently the best player on the continent". The new captain, John Mensah, who was in high spirits, summed it all up thus "By the grace of God, we'll lift the trophy on February 10".