Following CAF Ban on Baba Yara Stadium
By Aaior K. Comfort
Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, might need to play their remaining home matches for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in Nigeria, according to local sources. This development follows the Confederation of African Football (CAF) withdrawing approval for the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi due to various structural and maintenance deficiencies.
CAF’s decision was driven by concerns over the stadium’s uneven playing surface, inadequate drainage, and poor grass cover, identified during a recent inspection. These issues have also been reported at other major Ghanaian stadiums, such as the Cape Coast Stadium and the Accra Sports Stadium, leaving the Black Stars without an officially approved venue for their crucial upcoming qualifiers.
In light of this situation, CAF has directed Ghana to find an alternative venue for their Matchday 3 and 4 fixtures, set for October. Among the leading candidates is the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria. Other potential venues include Côte d’Ivoire’s Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Cameroon’s Japoma Stadium in Douala, and Morocco’s Berkane Municipal Stadium.
The Ghana Football Association is expected to make a final decision and inform CAF shortly.