06/02/2008 18:26

Accra - Cameroon coach Otto Pfister was locked out of the ground ahead of an African Nations Cup training session on Wednesday, prompting an angry exchange with local police.

Police ordered groundstaff not to let Pfister in ahead of his team's training session at the Ohene Djan stadium for Thursday's semi-final against hosts Ghana.

The German coach, who has a long history of working in Africa, demanded to be allowed access from the stands but as groundstaff unlocked a gate police objected.

The 70-year-old Pfister then swore at the police, who swore back while bemused media looked on.

Pfister eventually went through the gate after a member of the Cameroon delegation forced it open.

Pfister then criticised the condition of the pitch, which has drawn widespread complaints since the opening game of the tournament on Jan 20.

Last week, Pfister launched a stinging attack on Nations Cup organisers, complaining about a delayed flight, lost luggage, dirty hotel rooms and a shortened training session. He also said organisers had not allowed his team to train in peace and quiet since they arrived in Ghana.

"This is a total disaster. I don't know if this is the Nations Cup or a tournament for children," he said