The Accra Sports Stadium has been approved to host Ghana’s game against Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers defeating earlier rumours of Ghana playing in a neighbouring country due to the absence of an international standard stadium.
Initially, the Baba Yara Stadium was the only approved venue by CAF for Ghana’s home games but that permission was withdrawn by the football governing body urging Ghana to upgrade its facilities to meet the requirements.
Baba Yara was then closed down by the National Sports Authority (NSA) after Ghana’s defeat to Angola in September.
Additionally the Accra Sports Stadium as well as the Cape Coast Stadium were all shut down for renovation works.
This placed Ghana in a tight corner racing against time to get another venue approved. Reports even surfaced that the four-time African champions would have to play in either Togo or Ivory Coast, a situation described as an embarrassment by many.
Fortunately, CAF has given Ghana the nod to host Sudan on October 11, 2024 at the Accra Sports Stadium in a crucial encounter as the Black Stars chase their first victory of the qualification campaign.
Otto Addo’s men lost their opening game to the Palancas Negras at the Baba Yara before settling for a disappointing draw against Niger in the second game.
Ghana are aiming for a 25th appearance at the AFCON and also seeking a fifth title having last won the trophy 42 years ago.
The Accra Sports Stadium was once Ghana’s go-to venue for home matches with some memorable victories.
However, in recent years the nation have opted for the Baba Yara and Cape Coast stadia in recent years with Ghana last playing in Accra against Liberia in an international friendly during the September 2023 international break.
