Ghana have been refused permission to switch the venue of their last African Nations Cup Group B game from Luanda to Cabinda, a spokesman said on Thursday.

Ghana, who take on IvoryCoast in Cabinda on Friday, wanted to remain in the northern enclave for Tuesday'sgame against Burkina Faso.

"We asked theConfederation of African Football (CAF) to stay in Cabinda for this last gamebut our request has not been granted," a Ghana FA spokesman said.

The CAF decision means thatif Ghana finish top of the group they will have to fly back to Cabinda fortheir quarter-final. However, they will remain in Luanda if they end up insecond place.

Ghana have yet to play a gamein this year's Nations Cup after their opening match against Togo was cancelledfollowing the departure of their West African neighbours after the deadly gunattack on their bus.

"I (would) like toexpress my sincere condolences to the people of Togo for the tragic events atthe start of the tournament," Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien, whojoined the squad on Wednesday said.

"I hope they canovercome the tragic scenes they witnessed as soon as possible. Football unitesus all and hopefully we can carry on with the tournament peacefully to bringjoy and happiness to everyone."