Ghana Loses AFCON Hosting Rights: CAF Rejects Baba Yara Stadium for Qualifiers

• Sep 11, 2024

A monumental embarrassment awaits Ghana, after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) withdrew approval for the use of the Baba Yara Stadium for AFCON Qualifiers. The CAF inspection team, on their last visit to Ghana, identified several issues, including a playing field that was deemed unsuitable for competitive matches. Uneven surfaces, poor drainage, and inadequate grass cover were some of the issues raised.

According to CAF, persistent issues at the venue, as well as others in Ghana, such as Cape Coast Stadium and Accra Sports Stadium, have resulted in the continent's governing body asking Ghana to select an alternative venue from among those approved outside Ghana, for Matchday 3 and 4 of the AFCON qualifiers in October.

In light of this, the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, seems like the most likely alternative for Ghana, according to Joy Sports sources. Largely due to its close proximity to Ghana, the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, and two other likely alternatives, in the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny and the Stade de la Paix, both in Côte d'Ivoire, are being seriously considered.

Other options for Ghana will be Cameroon's Japoma Stadium, located in Douala, and the Berkane Municipal Stadium in Morocco, where Ghana played Niger. Ghana is expected to make their decision known to CAF within the coming days.

The withdrawal of hosting rights for the AFCON Qualifiers is a significant blow to Ghana's reputation and its ability to showcase its football prowess on the continental stage. The issues identified at the Baba Yara Stadium, as well as other venues in the country, highlight the need for Ghana to invest in the maintenance and upgrading of its sports infrastructure to meet the high standards set by CAF.

This setback serves as a wake-up call for the Ghana Football Association and the government to prioritize the development and improvement of the country's sports facilities, ensuring that they are fit for purpose and can host major international competitions in the future.

The decision by CAF to reject the Baba Yara Stadium for the AFCON Qualifiers is a testament to the continent's governing body's commitment to upholding the highest standards of football infrastructure and player safety. Ghana must now work diligently to address the issues raised and secure an alternative venue that can meet CAF's requirements, in order to avoid further embarrassment and maintain its standing within the African football community.