CONAKRY (Reuters) - Guinea's coastal capital Conakry was decked out in the red, yellow and green colours of the national side on Saturday as fans celebrated on the eve of their opening African Nations Cup match against hosts Ghana.

A giant placard of a soccer player adorned a major roundabout at the entrance to the city, while whistle-blowing supporters of the Syli -- Elephants in Guinea's Soussou language -- stopped traffic to collect money for the team.

"It's been a long time since we've seen such enthusiasm for the national side," said Alassane Sow, the secretary-general of the Sports Ministry.

"Usually we get less than 250 million Guinean francs for the national team. This year we have more than 800 million."

Guinea and Ghana were among the dominant African teams of the 1970s and matches between the two West African nations still retain the air of a local derby.

Sunday's match kicks off the 2008 tournament which Ghana are among the favourites to win, with home advantage and a slew of big names like Chelsea's Michael Essien.

But Guinea, with their own roster of players at European clubs, are expected to prove tough opponents.

Guineans are fanatical football fans and power cuts during televised Nations Cup matches have sparked riots in Conakry in previous years.

A party in support of the team lasted late into the night at the city's September 28 stadium.

"I have got no doubt that we are going to win against the Ghanaians," said street-seller Mamadou Bailo Diallo, peddling soccer paraphernalia.

"We've got a very good trainer and I'm confident that this year we are going to bring the Cup back to Guinea."

(Reporting by Saliou Samb, writing by Daniel Flynn, editing by Rex Gowar)