Black Stars to face Afcon inferno in Egypt
19th June 2019
The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations will test the fitness of the Black Stars players with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) suggesting the average temperature for this time of year is between 35°C and 38°C.
But it will get much higher‚ with a cursory glance at the weather forecast for the next seven days in Cairo showing that three are set to exceed 40°C‚ and three more will be between 38°C and 40°C.
Add to that humidity of between 40% and 60% and it is going to be highly uncomfortable for the players throughout the tournament. It is perhaps surprising that the CAF was so eager to send the competition to Egypt in these conditions.
CAF has issued a media advisory saying three-minute rest breaks have been recommended at around the 30th and 75th minutes of matches‚ and wet towels and ice buckets to be on hand for teams.
It stated that provision must be made to treat heat-related illnesses on site‚ in expectation that players‚ or even officials‚ could suffer exhaustion.
Ghana's quest to end a 37-year title drought will begin with Benin on Tuesday, June 25, at 20:00GMT. The team would play their second match in the tournament on Saturday, June 29, at 17:00 GMT.
The Black Stars last Group game will be against Guinea-Bissau on July 2.
The four-time winners would base in Ismalia for their Group F fixtures.