Black Stars’ home advantage hangs in balance as CAF demands stadium update
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is racing against time to address concerns raised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding the readiness of the Baba Yara Stadium.
Kumasi’s Baba Yara Stadium will play host to the Black Stars’ AFCON qualifiers match against Angola on September 5.
CAF’s concerns were sparked by viral images and videos showcasing the pitch’s deteriorated condition, which have also raised alarm among fans.
In response to these worries, GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum confirmed that the technical team has submitted a plan to address the issues, and the coach is expected to announce the squad soon.
For over ten days now it is something we have discussed and even as far as CAF level they have sent us a message what is going on in our country wherever you are you will see it. So CAF have written to us to give them an updated report in terms of the current state of Baba Yara when we send that they will use that to take a decision, he said in an interview with Peace FM
Now as I speak to you we know that we will play Angola at Baba Yara on 5th September but due to the pictures and videos that have gone viral in the last week or so CAF is not at the crossroads due to the health situation on the ground. It is a risk to play on such a pitch and play football. They have given us a certain time frame to give them the current state of affairs then they will use that to take a decision. That is the only issue on our necks now but the technical team have submitted they program we are looking forward to receiving the coach today or tomorrow.
When he arrives he will announce his squad, players after this weekend’s games those that will play Friday will come Saturday those that will play Saturday will come Sunday. We are looking forward by Monday next week everybody on the squad list will be here by 2nd September then officially we start the preparation for the match, he added.
The GFA must provide CAF with a timely update to ensure the stadium meets the required standards for the upcoming game.