Angola to report Ghana to CAF over poor state of Baba Yara Stadium pitch ahead of next month’s AFCON qualifier

Angola is set to file a complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding the deteriorating condition of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, ahead of their crucial AFCON qualifier against Ghana on September 5.

The Black Stars are scheduled to host Angola in the opening match of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers at the Baba Yara Stadium, Ghana’s only CAF-approved venue for high-profile matches. However, recent concerns have emerged over the pitch’s poor state, raising doubts about its suitability for the upcoming game.

On Thursday, videos circulated on social media showing a water truck attempting to irrigate the severely damaged pitch. The footage has sparked outrage and concern, particularly from the Angolan national team’s head coach, Pedro Gonçalves.

In a chat with Ghanasportspage.com, Gonçalves revealed that he has urged the Angolan Football Federation to request a change of venue, citing the pitch as a potential threat to his players’ safety.

Reacting to the situation, Esme Mends, the Club Licensing Manager for the Ghana Football Association (GFA), acknowledged that the stadium is currently unfit to host any competitive matches. However, he expressed hope that the National Sports Authority (NSA) could rehabilitate the pitch in time for the Ghana vs. Angola game.

“The playing field is our main concern, and it’s not in good condition at the moment,” Mends told Luv FM, as reported by 3Sports. “But the NSA is working tirelessly, and I’m confident they’ll have the pitch ready for the match.”

The controversy surrounding the Baba Yara Stadium’s condition comes on the heels of warnings from football administrator Samuel Anim Addo in July.

He cautioned that Ghana might be forced to play its home matches in neighboring countries if the country’s stadiums continue to be neglected. His remarks were prompted by viral videos showing the crude methods being employed to maintain the pitch at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.