The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is considering relocating the Black Stars’ home matches to either Côte d’Ivoire or Togo following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) withdrawal of approval for Kumasi’s Baba Yara Stadium.
This decision was made after CAF determined that the stadium’s outdated playing field with uneven surfaces and inadequate drainage made it inappropriate for hosting international matches.
Observations made during Ghana’s recent 1-0 loss to Angola in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers impacted CAF’s decision.
The stadium’s state was previously a source of worry for the continental organization, which also pointed out that it didn’t satisfy the necessary standards for Category 3 international matches.
Finding substitute venues has been left to the GFA, given there are no other Category 3 stadiums in Ghana that have been approved by CAF.
The group is currently assessing its alternatives in the nearby countries of Togo and Côte d’Ivoire, whose facilities are up to par with international standards.
The CAF has advised the GFA to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of all of Ghana’s major stadiums and to choose seasoned contractors to handle Baba Yara Stadium’s renovation requirements.
Furthermore, CAF has extended its assistance by offering to send an international pitch specialist to help with the necessary adjustments; however, the GFA will have to pay for these services.
The National Sports Authority is working tirelessly to finish the repairs in time for upcoming games, but the Baba Yara Stadium is now closed for business.
The GFA’s choice of the new location will have a significant impact on the Black Stars’ future schedule, especially their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Sudan.
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Source: ghanasoccernet.com