2024/25 GHPL: Asante Kotoko to play home games at Abrankese after Baba Yara Stadium closure

Asante Kotoko will play their home matches at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in Abrankese due to the temporary closure of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for renovations. The National Sports Authority (NSA) announced that the stadium will be shut down for a month to allow for essential maintenance work.

The state of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium has come under scrutiny, particularly after the Black Stars’ 1-0 defeat to Angola in their opening game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. This loss ended Ghana’s 24-year unbeaten record at the stadium.

While many have pointed to the poor condition of the pitch as a factor in the loss, NSA Deputy Director General Majeed Bawa has refuted these claims.

Speaking on Asempa FM‘s Sports Nite, Bawa questioned the criticism, saying, “Are they suggesting that the Angolans were playing in the sky? Both teams played on the same pitch, and it was approved by CAF for the game.”

Despite assurances about the pitch’s condition, the National Sports Authority (NSA) has decided to move forward with renovations at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. The repairs will also address damage caused by disgruntled fans following Ghana’s recent AFCON qualifier loss to Angola. The refurbishment is expected to be completed by October.

Due to the stadium’s temporary closure, Asante Kotoko will play their upcoming home games at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in Abrankese. Originally, the team was scheduled to host Nsoatreman FC and Young Apostles on matchdays 2 and 3 of the Ghana Premier League.

The 2024/25 league season begins on Saturday, September 7, with Kotoko set to take on Karela United at the Naa Sheriga Sports Complex.