The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is contemplating the relocation of the Black Stars’ crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Angola due to concerns over the state of the Baba Yara Stadium. This decision comes after the stadium, the nation’s only approved venue for international matches was left in a deteriorated condition following a large-scale religious crusade.
Ghana is set to host the Palancas Negras of Angola on September 6, 2024, in what promises to be a pivotal match in their AFCON 2025 campaign. However, the recent crusade by William Kumuyi, General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, has severely impacted the stadium’s pitch. The installation of stages, canopies, and hundreds of seats on the field has left it in a state that may not meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) stringent requirements.
With just five weeks before the match, the GFA is under immense pressure to ensure the venue is suitable for international play. Multiple media reports suggest that the football governing body is considering alternative venues to host the game. The urgency of the situation has sparked widespread frustration and disappointment among football fans and stakeholders.
Prominent figures in Ghanaian football have voiced their concerns and criticisms regarding the state of the Baba Yara Stadium. Samuel Anim Addo, a former Executive Council member of the GFA, expressed his dismay at the neglect shown towards the country’s sporting infrastructure. “Do we want to play our home matches in another country because our stadiums are unfit for international matches due to the authorities’ negligence?” he lamented in an interview with Graphic Sports.
Addo’s sentiments echo a broader call for accountability and better maintenance of Ghana’s sports facilities. “We invest heavily in building stadiums, but we are not protecting them for sports. We love the game, but we don’t want to protect it,” he added. His criticism highlights the ongoing issues with the National Sports Authority’s handling of the country’s pitches, urging immediate action to prevent such situations in the future.
As the GFA scrambles to address the issue, the uncertainty surrounding the match venue has cast a shadow over Ghana’s preparations for the AFCON qualifiers. The Black Stars are determined to secure their spot in the tournament, which will be hosted in Morocco, but the potential relocation of their home match presents an added challenge.
The football community in Ghana is holding its breath, hoping for a swift resolution that will allow the Black Stars to play on home soil. In the meantime, the state of the Baba Yara Stadium serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preserving and properly managing the nation’s sporting venues.
By: Francis Nutsugah (Abrantie Kofi Qross) – Ahotor Sports Desk
