The Black Stars of Ghana will play their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 qualifier against Sudan in Ivory Coast, following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to revoke approval for the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi. Ghanasportspage.com has confirmed the development.
CAF’s decision was prompted by the poor state of the Baba Yara pitch, which was deemed unfit for international competition. The playing field was found to have uneven surfaces, inadequate grass cover, and poor drainage, all of which fail to meet CAF’s standards for hosting such a high-stakes match.
Despite efforts from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Sports Ministry to address the issues at the stadium, there are currently no other CAF-approved venues available in Ghana. This has forced CAF to arrange for the crucial qualifier to be played in Ivory Coast.
A few days ago, Ghanasportspage.com reported that CAF had issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the GFA to secure an alternative venue for the match, or CAF would step in and select one. With time running out and no suitable facilities in Ghana, the decision was made to host the match in Ivory Coast.
The GFA is continuing efforts to resolve the pitch problems at Baba Yara Stadium, aiming to ensure it can host future international fixtures. In the meantime, the Black Stars will prepare for their home match against Sudan, which will now be played away from home in Ivory Coast.
