The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is urgently searching for a new stadium to host the Black Stars’ Matchday 3 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Sudan, following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) ban on the Baba Yara Stadium.
CAF withdrew approval for the Kumasi-based stadium on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, citing "technical infractions," including the poor condition of the playing field. As a result, Ghana will have to play its next home game away from the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
One of the leading alternatives under consideration is the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Ivory Coast. However, the availability of the stadium is uncertain as it hosted some of Ghana's games during the AFCON tournament held earlier this year in Ivory Coast.
The GFA is also reportedly exploring options in Benin or Togo, pending CAF approval.
The Baba Yara Stadium, meanwhile, has been closed for refurbishment following widespread complaints about the state of the pitch during Ghana’s recent AFCON qualifier against Angola. Both teams, including Angola's head coach, expressed frustration with the quality of the surface, with the coach stating, "A country like Ghana deserves a better pitch."
The Black Stars will face Sudan in October in a critical two-legged AFCON qualifying series as they aim to secure a place in the 2025 tournament.
