By: Nana Kwame Bediako
The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has granted provisional approval for the Accra Sports Stadium to host the Ghana-Sudan AFCON qualifiers on Friday, October 11, 2024. This decision follows the unexpected withdrawal of approval for the Baba Yara Stadium due to its poor infrastructure, which was the original choice to host CAF Division C matches. The sudden change has left Ghana scrambling for a suitable venue, raising concerns about the country’s readiness for the crucial match.
The provisional approval of the Accra Sports Stadium by CAF has now brought a sigh of relief to fans and officials alike.
CAF inspected both Cape Coast Stadium and Accra Sports Stadium last week before finally deciding to select Accra Sports Stadium to host the match on a temporary basis.
CAF’s statement on the endorsement reads:
”Following a comprehensive review of the independent CAF inspection reports on Cape Coast and the Accra Sports Stadia, we are pleased to inform you that the Accra Sports Stadium has been approved to host the AFCON qualifiers for Morocco 2025. Specifically , will host the Group F – Matchday 3 match between Ghana and Sudan, which is scheduled for October 11, 2024.
In light of this approval, we request the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the stadium management team to prioritize the necessary improvements to the pitch and other critical areas of the stadium prior to match day to ensure an optimal experience for both teams and the fans in attendance.
Please note that CAF will continue to closely monitor the readiness of the pitch for this match, as well as for future CAF sanctioned events.”
As the nation prepares for the Ghana-Sudan conflict, there is a growing interest in how this experience will shape the future of sports infrastructure development in the country. Fans and players alike are looking forward to the clash between Ghana and Sudan, with the change of venue adding an extra layer of intrigue to the match.
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