The Ministry of Youth and Sports has directed the Ghana Football Association to submit the University of Ghana Stadium and Accra Sports Stadium for consideration to host Ghana’s remaining home games in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The ministry’s request comes on the back of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) withdrawing its approval of Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
In a statement released on Thursday, September 12, 2024, the ministry acknowledged CAF’s decision, noting that it was based on the pitch condition at Baba Yara Stadium.
The ministry assured that work has already begun to get the pitch back to the required standard following the closure of the stadium.
The sector further stated that previous concerns raised by CAF regarding Accra Sports Stadium have been resolved, while the University of Ghana Stadium has hosted CAF category 2 games. Hence, it has directed the GFA to submit the two venues for consideration.
CAF officially withdrew approval for Baba Yara Stadium on Wednesday, September 11, labelling the venue as unsuitable to host CAF category 3 matches.
Before the withdrawal, the highest African football administrative body granted Ghana temporary permission to host Angola at Baba Yara Sports Stadium, demanding improvements in the pitch, floodlights, dressing rooms, venue operation centre (VOC), washrooms, safe zone, and stadium sound systems (speakers) before the next home game or risk playing at a neutral venue.
Black Stars have two home games left in the qualifiers against Sudan and Niger. They will face Sudan in October 2024 before hosting Niger in November 2024.
Read the Sports Ministry’s statement below:
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