CAF Rejects Baba Yara Stadium
Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, will now play their remaining 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in Nigeria. This decision comes after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) declared the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi unfit for competitive matches. Following an inspection, CAF highlighted major structural issues with the stadium, including poor drainage systems, uneven playing surfaces, and insufficient grass cover.
Stadium Deficiencies Impact Black Stars
CAF’s rejection of the Baba Yara Stadium has placed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in a difficult position, as they scramble to find an alternative venue for their crucial AFCON qualifiers in October. In addition to the Kumasi stadium, other popular venues such as the Cape Coast Stadium and Accra Sports Stadium also failed to meet CAF’s strict standards. The failure of these key venues has left Ghana without any approved home stadiums for international matches.
Nigeria’s Uyo Stadium to Host Ghana
In light of these developments, reports suggest that the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, is the most likely venue for the Black Stars’ upcoming qualifiers. The 30,000-seat stadium, serving as the home ground for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, offers a convenient location and already holds CAF approval for international fixtures. The Ghana Football Association expects to confirm the venue in the coming days as preparations for the October matches intensify.
Other Venues Considered
Besides the Uyo Stadium, Ghana has also considered several other venues across Africa. Côte d’Ivoire’s Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Cameroon’s Japoma Stadium, and Morocco’s Berkane Municipal Stadium were among the alternatives. However, Uyo’s proximity to Ghana and its history of hosting international matches make it the most favourable choice for the Black Stars’ qualification campaign.
Stadium Setback Adds Pressure to Ghana’s AFCON Campaign
The stadium rejection has added another layer of difficulty to Ghana’s bid to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament. With limited time before the October fixtures, the GFA is racing against the clock to finalise a venue. Despite this setback, the Black Stars remain focused on overcoming the challenges as they aim to solidify their place in the competition.
Official Announcement Expected Soon
As the October qualifiers approach, the Ghana Football Association plans to make an official announcement regarding the chosen venue. With the team facing both internal challenges and tough competition, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining Ghana’s path to AFCON 2025.
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