2/10/2024
The Accra Sports Stadium has been approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Ghana and Sudan.
The approval follows CAF’s inspection of both the Cape Coast Stadium and the Accra Sports Stadium last week after which the former was disapproved.
CAF earlier directed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to select an alternate venue for the game after the Baba Yara Stadium was banned.
CAF’s approval statement reads:
‘’Following a comprehensive review of the reports of the CAF independent inspection regarding the Cape Coast and Accra Sports Stadia, we are pleased to inform you that the Accra Sports Stadium has been approved to host the AFCON Qualifiers for Morocco 2025. Specifically, it will host the Group F – Matchday 3 encounter between Ghana and Sudan, which is scheduled for October 11, 2024.
“In light of this approval, we kindly request that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the stadium management team prioritise the necessary enhancements to the pitch and other critical areas of the stadium leading up to the match day to ensure an optimal experience for both teams and the attending fans.
“Please note that CAF will continue to closely monitor the readiness of the stadium for this match, as well as for future CAF-sanctioned events.”
Ghana’s international friendly against Liberia on September 12, 2023, a fixture which ended 3-1 in favour of Ghana was the last time the Accra Sports Stadium hosted a sports related event.
Subsequently, the sports facility has been leased to host religious activities eventually damaging the playing field.
The Black Stars face the Falcons of Jediane on Friday, October 11, 2024 with hopes of getting back on track after failing to win any of their opening two games against Angola and Niger.
By: Maxwell Woyram Tsigbe