Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, might be forced to play their remaining home games for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in Nigeria, Soccernet reports. This comes after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) revoked approval for the use of the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi due to structural and maintenance issues.
CAF’s decision followed a recent inspection, where they found several deficiencies with the stadium, including an uneven playing surface, poor drainage, and insufficient grass cover. The condition of other stadiums in Ghana, such as the Cape Coast and Accra Sports Stadiums, also failed to meet CAF standards, leaving Ghana without a certified venue for their crucial upcoming qualifiers.
As a result, CAF has instructed Ghana to secure an alternative venue for their AFCON qualifiers, scheduled for Matchday 3 and 4 in October 2023.
The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, has emerged as a top contender for hosting Ghana’s home matches. According to Myjoyonline, the stadium in Akwa Ibom’s capital offers a convenient and accessible option for the Black Stars. Other potential venues under consideration include Côte d’Ivoire’s Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny and Stade de la Paix, Cameroon’s Japoma Stadium in Douala, and the Berkane Municipal Stadium in Morocco.
Ghana is expected to announce its final decision to CAF in the coming days, as the team prepares for the remainder of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.